Lynwood – Nearly 100 Lynwood Unified students and family members took advantage of health, legal and higher education services at Firebaugh High School’s inaugural AB540 Dreamers Conference, which empowers immigrant students and family members with valuable support and resources.

Workshops, speakers and activities educated the public on issues such as the California Dream Act, AB540, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), immigration legislation, driver licenses for the undocumented and other resources.

“These resources are unbelievably valuable for our students and the Lynwood community,” Superintendent Paul Gothold said. “The AB540 Dreamers Conference gives our students and their families the confidence to take the next step toward their futures, whether that is applying for college or for citizenship.”

Passed in 2001, Assembly Bill 540 was authored by the late Marco Antonio Firebaugh, for whom the high school was named, and grants in-state college tuition rates for undocumented California high school graduates who meet specific criteria.

“We are continuing the dream of equity and access for all students that Marco Antonio Firebaugh advocated,” Firebaugh High Principal Hector Preciado said. “Every student should have the chance to go to college, no matter what.”

Attorneys hosted one-on-one information sessions with families on attaining visas while public workshops focused on acquiring financial aid and enrolling in universities under AB540.

California State Treasurer John Chiang and State Sen. Ricardo Lara attended the event to show their support and thanked Firebaugh High for building upon Firebaugh’s legacy.

“I am grateful for the support Lynwood Unified has received on behalf of our mission to provide such important tools for our families,” Lynwood Unified School District Board of Education President Alma-Delia Renteria said. “I am so proud of Firebaugh High students, teachers and staff for hosting such an amazing event for our community.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

102916_LUSD_DREAMER1: Firebaugh High Sueños Club members stand with State Treasurer John Chiang on Oct. 29 during the school’s inaugural AB540 Dreamers Conference, which empowers immigrant students and family members with valuable workshops and support services.

102916_LUSD_DREAMER2: Christopher Prescott, financial adviser and nephew-in-law of Marco Antonio Firebaugh, conducts a workshop on financial security for Firebaugh High students at the school’s inaugural AB540 Dreamers Conference on Oct. 29.