Publish Date: Sep 5, 2017
Hartnell Affirms Support for DACA-protected Students
SALINAS, Calif. – Hartnell Community College District affirms support for DACA-protected students. On February 7, 2017, the Board of Trustees of the Hartnell Community College District adopted Resolution 17:3. Manuel Osorio, President of the Hartnell CCD Board of Trustees, stated that “the resolution affirms the values of Hartnell College in supporting undocumented students and also affirms that the District will protect the privacy of education records for all students regardless of immigration status and consistent with existing laws.” The complete version of the resolution is available on the Hartnell College website at www.hartnell.edu.
"Regardless of President Trump's action to terminate the DACA program, Hartnell College is committed to the higher education dreams of our DREAMer students," stated Hartnell’s Superintendent/President, Dr. Willard Lewallen.
Last year Hartnell enrolled 880 students eligible under California Assembly Bill 540 (amended under AB 2000). These DREAMer students are exempt from non-resident tuition and most are eligible for the Board of Governors (BOG) enrollment fee waiver. This represents a 202% increase in AB-540 students since 2010-11.
"Simply put, this dramatic increase is a reflection of the inclusive and welcoming environment that has been created by the faculty, staff, and administrators of the College," added Dr. Lewallen. "These students would not be at Hartnell if they did not feel safe and supported. Everyone at Hartnell is proud of the environment created for these students. We get to see firsthand the amazing success stories of these students who exhibit tremendous grit and courage in the face of adversity."
It is important to keep in mind that even if changes occur with the DACA program, this will not affect existing California laws that enable eligible Dreamer students to attend college, receive BOG Fee Waivers, and apply for California Dream Act Grants.
In April 2016, Hartnell opened one of the first DREAMer Centers at a California community
college. Mi CASA (Center for Achievement and Student Advancement) provides services
and support for DREAMer students. Information about services and activities through
Mi CASA are available at
http://www.hartnell.edu/mi-casa-hartnell-college-dreamer-center . Through Mi CASA, Hartnell has several activities and services planned to support
DREAMer students following President Trump's decision. For more information, contact
Bronwyn Moreno, Director of Student Affairs at bmoreno@hartnell.edu or 831-755-6723.
Hartnell Community College District – established in 1920
The Hartnell CCD serves over 17,000 students annually through its main campus in Salinas, the Alisal Campus in East Salinas, the King City Education Center, and various outreach learning centers throughout the Salinas Valley. Hartnell College, a Hispanic Serving Institution, provides associate degree and certificate programs, workforce training, courses in basic skills, and prepares students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Hartnell College is recognized for its innovative public and private partnerships that support world-class education for STEM, career technical education, fine and performing arts, humanities/social sciences, nursing/healthcare, and athletics. We are proud to be the winners of the 2015 Innovation Award for CSin3 – a Computer Science bachelor’s degree in three years . We are growing leaders through opportunity, engagement, and achievement. For more about Hartnell CCD, visit www.hartnell.edu .
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