Empowering and Elevating the Voices of Undocumented Students and Students from Mixed Status Households
The Santa Monica College Dream Resource Center is committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for undocumented students, and students from mixed-status households, to feel empowered to achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals.
Our vision is to build scholars and leaders that empower others within the undocumented community and elevate their voices.
Together we will foster an inclusive and non-discriminatory campus community and strive to educate and develop awareness of the experiences of undocumented and immigrant communities by providing resources, services and tools for the SMC campus community.
A Welcome Message from Interim Dean of Special Programs Nick Mata
“My time spent at Santa Monica has been nothing but positive vibes because of the support given to me since day one. I thought that going to college was a waste of time and because of my status I was not qualified but turns out I was wrong. I was browsing the SMC website and happened to stumble upon a header that said DREAM program. I was cautious at first because we had an administration that was really targeting the undocumented community, so it was really scary to say I am undocumented, but I got to know that DREAM center people are very trustworthy, and they provided me with a lot of resources and I'm very thankful for this. ”
“Being an undocumented and first generation college student means feeling like I have to figure it out all on my own. The Dream Center at Santa Monica College reminded me that I do not have to be alone through this process. The support is genuine. Leave the extra explaining about your specific immigrant status behind, it does not need to happen for them to support you and help you reach your goals. The Dream Center has helped me stay on track and plan my education on my terms and speed. Without the extra understanding about me and my journey I don't think I would've stayed in school. I am thankful for the resources and staff at SMC's Dream Center. ”
Here are some of the ways in which we can support you on your development and educational journey.
Need help with your DACA renewal?
Legal services through CARECEN are FREE for SMC students, staff, and faculty and includes DACA renewals, general consultation, and more! Mondays available for SMC students through this online system.
Mental Health Services via the DREAM Program.
Spring 2021 Schedule: Tuesday and Thursday, with Kimberly Rios-Lam, Psy.D
Telehealth Therapy Options: Video or phone sessions offered
If this is your first time accessing counseling, please contact your academic counselor or the program specialist for a referral form.
Contact the Program Specialist
There are more ways that you might not have known about to afford college.
Undocumented students and mixed status students are eligible! Check here for more info on qualifying, as well as how to apply to college.
We can assist in applying for the California Dream Act/Financial Aid and scholarships.
Find out more about how to pay for college
Get started with us by filling out this handy information form, so that we can match you with the right person on staff to help you.
Request a phone or video appointment via:
Email: DREAM@smc.edu
Voice Message: 310-434-4892
OFFICE HOURS Spring 2021: Monday - Friday | 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Every Thursday at 11:00 a.m. (until June 10, 2021)
Want to ask questions about the program? Need to schedule an appointment with a Dream
counselor or would simply like to check in? Join us in our zoom room!
The room is open for 30 minutes to an hour. One student is allowed in at a time.
Save the date for some helpful events, as well as a selection of recordings and information from our prior events.
Every Thursday, 3PM
Save the Date for SMCs Dream Program UndocuChat series hosted by our very own Dr. Rios-Lam and Victoria Santiago! This will take place every Thursday at 3PM. This is exclusively for current SMC Dream students. The RSVP invite will be sent via SMC email. If you want to learn more, please email Victoria. We look forward to sharing virtual space with you!
Join IDEAS at USC on April 22, 2021 at 7 PM to learn how to navigate the transfer process at USC as an undocumented student.
We will be having a panel of transfer students who will share their experiences navigating
the transfer process. A financial aid officer will be present to help answer any questions
you may have, as well as a career center representative to discuss opportunities that
USC offers such as internships, fellowships, scholarships, and legal services.
Please RSVP to receive our event program and zoom information.
To join the session, register using the following link: https://forms.gle/XBhtgaRmVFecvBRy7
Tuesday, April 6, 2021 from 1 PM to 2 PM (PST), A.L.O.E. will be hosting an undocuAPI Ally training. You will Learn about Asian and Pacific Islander history in the U.S., Understand current policies, Hear student testimonies, and Discover how you can best support the community. You may register to attend here.
Celebrating heroes in the undocumented community.
An attorney in Los Angeles—one who started a law practice, hired four employees, and took an oath to uphold the U.S. constitution. She also has no legal options to stay in the country. Lizbeth is undocumented. Since crossing the border at age 14, Lizbeth hasn’t let her immigration status hold her back. Frustrated by an unjust system, she’s drawing from her own experiences to fight for immigrant rights in the streets and in the courts.
Lizbeth Mateo: Undocumented Lawyer
Politico Magazine's Profile on Lizbeth Mateo
The Santa Monica College Dream Resource Center is committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for undocumented students, and students from mixed-status households, to feel empowered to achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals.
Contact Information:
310-434-4892
Click here to Get to know the Dream Center Staff!
Text: Wherever you are in your educational goal, keep going! Great things take time.
