WHITTIER – Río Hondo College’s Student Success and Dream Center will host a Virtual Undocumented Student Week of Action from Monday, Oct. 19 to Friday, Oct. 23 that carries the theme of “Dream to Believe.”

This is the fourth annual celebration of the week, which is designed to build connections within the community of undocumented students, strengthen connections with the greater college community and advocate for community and government support.

“Everyone deserves the opportunities provided to us by higher education – regardless of whether they were born in the U.S. or not,” Acting Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss said. “Rio Hondo College is committed to ensure all our students, regardless of their backgrounds, receive the support they need to achieve their dreams.”

Many of Río Hondo College’s undocumented students are shielded from deportation, allowed to work and attend college under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) executive order issued by then-President Barack Obama.

The event also kicks off an effort to raise $10,000 by Friday, Dec. 18 to assist these undocumented students with scholarships and expenses. Donations can be made at bit.ly/RHCUndocuScholarDonation.

The week’s programs are focused on sharing the experience of undocumented students:

• Get Social, 2 to 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19: A virtual mixer will be held for students, faculty and staff. The event includes information about the challenges faced by undocumented students.

• You’re Not Alone, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20: A virtual art gallery will display stories, statements, poems, paintings and other artwork to chronicle the feelings of undocumented students. After the Zoom workshop, the gallery will be shared via the College website.

• UndocuFamily Night, 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21: A keynote speaker, an immigration attorney and a therapist will make presentations. Participants must RSVP 24 hours before the event.

• UndocuRio Talks, 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22: Undocumented graduates will discuss topics ranging from identity, social justice and activism to personal development, mental health and the “undoc-hustle.”

• Undocumented and Unafraid Panel, 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Oct. 23: A panel of graduate students will share their experiences in navigating the educational system.

Registration: Students must sign up for Zoom sessions 24 hours before the event at bit.ly/UndocuStudentWeekofAction.

For more information, contact the Student Success and Dream Center at (562) 463-7023 or undocuscholars@riohondo.edu.