The Dream ACT

One East Palo Alto held it's 2nd Annual Quarterly Meeting last week. OEPA has always tried to create a forum so the community can discuss issues relevant to them. Such was the case at this meeting; the topic was " Do Immigrant students Have a Right To Go To College" ? According to the San Francisco Chronicle, there are over 25,000 undocumented students who graduate every year from high school.

We watched a video of student testimonials and heard from a panel of students who shared their plight as undocumented students attempting to go to college. They spoke of the financial challenges they faced, because they are not eligible to receive any financial aid. Tuition at California State Colleges and Universities have increased each year. Currently, a student pays an average of $12,000 at a state school. Imagine having to raise these dollars without financial aid. Financial aid includes, grants from state or federal sources, loans, and in most cases scholarships.

How do they make it? Some have not;one student dropped out of Berkeley because he was unable to raise the funds to cover tuition. Others have been fortunate to have been selected by a school who provides funds to qualified students regardless of their "status". Most struggle year to year, looking for funds, sponsors and the few scholarships available to them. Instead of having their full focus on their classes and assignments, they can become preoccupied with the issue of tuition. Do they deserve this?

We learned of the "Dream Act" SB1301, being considered by the legislature in Sacramento. The Dream Act would allow students to apply and compete for institutional aid administered by the attending college or university, regardless of their immigration status.

We should take a good look at this legislation when it comes before the Assembly in it's final form. The success of the Dream Act will have a direct impact on the growing number of college eligible students in our community. It can only help our community to have college educated individuals living and working here.

Thank you One East Palo Alto for being this issue to our attention.