The Dream Resource Center (DRC) had its grand opening ceremony Thursday, Sept. 26 outside of the Center for Academic Success building.
The DRC was put in motion to assist undocumented students and DREAMers toward fufilling their academic goals in a safe environment. The center offers counseling, academic support computers and lounge chairs in a secure space within the ASO building.
Los Angeles Community College District Chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez attended the ceremony, along with Dean of Student Engagement Juan Carlos Astorga and Pierce President Alexis Montevirgen.
Rodriguez said he expects the DRC to have a significant impact on several components of student life.
“First and foremost, I believe that it will signal a safe place,” Rodrigue said. “A person who may be undocumented right now has real, legitimate reason to feel a a sense of fear, a sense of being targeted for all kinds of stuff. So we want to provide an environment where students feel safe to attend school, go to school, and succeed in school.”
Food and drinks were served at the ceremony while the chancellor spoke about the significant impact the DRC will make for DREAMers and DACA students.
Rodriguez said it will be a place for undocumented students to connect within the community.
“One of the most important components of the college experience is building a community and connecting with others, particularly those who are different from yourself to learn, to grow, to experience, and to hang out,” Rodriguez said.
He said the resource center will help signal to students who may have left the school environment to come back and feel not only safe, but welcome.
“Your identity is protected, your records are protected,” Rodriguez said. “There’s a lot of legal and academic resources for them to get those students back, and to attract students who might be considering coming to Pierce. So, that’s a real powerful and important human moral as well as academic obligation that we have there.”
Rodriguez said he has high hopes for the DRC to lead undocumented students toward success.
“Our effort to support, to engage, and to be proactive is dutiful and necessary.”