DREAM Center 2023 - 2024 End of the Year Review

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24 ILLUMINATE: CELEBRATING THE BRILLIANCE OF OUR COMMUNITY

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E L C O M E N O T E

Dear Readers,

Welcome to our year-end magazine! As we approach the end of the 6th year of the DREAM Center, we are filled with gratitude for the experiences we've shared and the growth we've witnessed Together, we've navigated challenges and celebrated successes, all while staying true to our mission of empowering individuals to pursue their dreams.

At the heart of our community lies a commitment to inclusivity and support. As the largest DREAM Center team to date, with 32 members, we've dedicated ourselves to serving those impacted by immigration policies, offering advocacy, guidance, and unwavering support. Our efforts have been fueled by a collective desire to see every individual thrive academically, personally, and professionally.

Every connection made, every resource shared, and every opportunity provided has brought us closer to our shared vision of joy and purpose. Each interaction has contributed to a legacy of advocacy, leadership, and mentorship within our community. Students in our community are not just ambitious and determined they are also compassionate, caring individuals who inspire us with their resilience and unapologetically determination to create a future on their terms.

In the pages that follow, you'll find reflections, stories, and insights that capture the essence of our journey together. Whether you're a newcomer or a member of our community, we invite you to immerse yourself in these pages and reflect on the impact we've made. Thank you for being part of our community, and here's to another year of growth, resilience, and endless possibilities.

In community, DREAM Center Team

ABOUT THE DREAM CENTER

O U R M I S S I O N S T A T E M E N T

The UCI DREAM Center’s mission is to stand with and serve those impacted by immigration policy through advancing systemic change, deconstructing oppressive policies, and fostering community. We work towards personal growth, collective healing, and visible change.

O U R V I S I O N

We strive to support undocumented students to achieve academic, personal, and professional excellence at UCI and beyond.

O U R V A L U E S

DIVERSITY: Constructing inclusive spaces to create a sense of belonging for the diverse group of people impacted by immigration policy

RESILIENCE: Having the courage to persist in the face of social-political uncertainty

EMPOWERMENT: Uplifting our virtuous community and aspirations

ADVOCACY: Upending politics and expectations to deliver change

MENTORSHIP: Fostering a generation of brave leaders

OUR CENTER

Our space at the DREAM Center offers ample support for students, including a welcoming team at the DREAM Center, various study areas, and wellness resources, all dedicated to supporting the well being of our students.

M E E T O U R T E A M S

SCHOLARS IN RESIDENCE (SIR)

Our Scholars-in-Residence (SIR) graduate mentors support first-generation undergraduate students affected by immigration policies by helping them navigate their academic journey and explore postgraduate education/career opportunities. They host office hours weekly and plan events each quarter tailored to professional development skills

HIGH SCHOOL & COMMUNITY COLLEGE OUTREACH

Our High School and Community College Outreach team collaborates with high schools, community colleges, and community-based organizations to spread awareness about the DREAM Center and other resources available to students. Our outreach team hosts workshops and events for incoming first-year/ transfer students

COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

Our communications/marketing team collaborates to improve our community across mediums, such as our website, social media, newsletter, and new forms of communication. They develop and create marketing materials for DREAM Center events, programs, and services throughout the academic year

UNDOCUART COLLECTIVE

Our UndocuArt Collective team provides vital creative space for all students. Their focus on creative expression as an integral part of holistic wellness allows students to be seen and acknowledged and fosters community beyond academic, social, or professional pursuits They host quarterly events focused on creative expression through various mediums

DREAM PROJECT FELLOWSHIP (DPF) COORDINATORS

Our DREAM Project Fellowship (DPF) Coordinators develop professional development programming for the DREAM Project Fellowship Program to enrich students with professional and entrepreneurial skills Coordinators lead a year-long 30-hour DPF curriculum

UNDOCUMENTED HOUSE FELLOWS

Our Undocumented House fellows help build community within the Undocumented Theme house by conducting DREAM Center workshops and activities onsite. Additionally, they help with the retention of current residents at the Undocumented Theme house by helping students feel at home. They also help outreach to prospective students.

STUDENT OPERATIONS

Our Student Operations team is the first line of support for students, prospective students, and prostaff They play a vital role in creating a welcoming environment for students and helping them feel supported throughout their journeys at UCI. They also execute the day-to-day operational needs of the center.

PROFESSIONAL STAFF

The DREAM Center has a team of four dedicated professionals committed to supporting every student team and overseeing the essential operations of the center At the UCI DREAM Center, our professional staff manage space, host 120 events, welcome 4000 visitors yearly, engage stakeholders, fundraise, handle data, manage outreach, and facilitate staff development They support student teams, fostering community, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

2023-2024

UCI DREAM CENTER

A C C O M P L I S H M E N T S

Hosted 119 events, engaging over 3,000 participants (including repeat attendees), fostering a sense of inclusion and support among the community.

Welcomed an average of 30 daily visitors to the DREAM Center, providing resources, guidance, and a welcoming space.

Expanded the team to its largest size since inception, with 4 full-time professional staff, 8 graduate student mentors, and 20 undergraduate fellows and staff members, enhancing support services.

Launched a new Meal Plan Scholarship in Spring 2024, providing incoming students with a year of paid meals to alleviate financial burdens.

Introduced the Fit and Fresh Wellness Series, featuring a personal trainer to build holistic wellness skills and promote physical and mental health.

Organized an entrepreneurial day-long seminar, offering insights from an undocumented business owner, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities for 60 aspiring undocumented business leaders

Completed a Building Binational Bridges Convening in Mexico City in December, fostering cross-cultural understanding and international collaboration. UC Merced and UC San Diego were additional collaborators for the trip.

Initiated a new collaboration with Tokyo University of Foreign Studies for the first Building Binational Bridges Convening in Japan, promoting cultural exchange and academic collaboration. 12 students and 9 staff and faculty will serve as UCI delegates.

Allocated and awarded over $470,000 in student aid, including fellowship awards, travel grants, emergency grants, and legal filing fee assistance, to support students in need.

Implemented the Presidential Experiential Learning Fellowship Program as outlined by UCOP, providing valuable hands-on learning opportunities for students.

Earned national recognition for the Building Binational Bridges program by the Forum on Education Award as a Curriculum Award Finalist

As a unique offering within the UC system, UCI is the only campus with an Undocumented Student Theme house specifically designed to support students affected by immigration policies. The house serves as a welcoming residential community where students can explore their identities and experiences.

This school year, fellows Miriam and Heber, the dedicated team of the Undocumented Student House, have worked tirelessly to enhance the living learning experiences of 41 other residents. Through proactive communication and close collaboration with the Resident Advisor, they have maintained a positive and consistent environment, fostering a sense of community through activities such as group study sessions and social gatherings.

EVENTS & COLLABORATIONS:

Through collaborative efforts, they have orchestrated 13 impactful events throughout the school year, such as a fall orientation, vision board making, faculty and staff dinner, stress management workshop, and countless socials and study session..

Among these memorable events, their spring quarter cooking workshop stands out as a testament to the team's creativity and determination. Miriam, Heber and Luis successfully collaborated with multiple partners, including the Basic Needs Center, Office of Social Work, and the Anteater Recreation Center. They have also collaborated with TeamsUp, and the Wellness and Health Promotion Center, to bring other events to fruition.

Housing Team with campus partners at the cooking workshop from left to right: Luis Fuentes, Miriam, Andrea Mora, Peter Thach and Heber

Housing Team members Miriam and Heber hosting “Bring Your Vision to Life” event

Their efforts required extensive time commitments that they persevered through, driven by their acknowledgment of how significant an event like the Cooking Workshops could be for the residents. The workshop was not merely an event but an opportunity for residents to acquire a valuable life skill, learning how to cook a dish.

Through careful planning and dedication, the team ensured that every aspect of the workshop was tailored to provide an enriching and enjoyable experience for all participants.

CREATING CONNECTIONS:

Their dedication doesn't stop when their shift ends at the DREAM center, it extends into the Undocumented Student House, where they go above and beyond to make residents feel appreciated, such as crafting and delivering Valentine's Day grams to each of the residents and hosting study sessions around exam times. Their show of support for residents and acts of service has created a trusting relationship between house Fellows and residents.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

IIn their daily operations, Miriam and Heber embody the team's dedication to excellence and collaboration. They start each day by thoroughly checking emails and catching up with their mentor, Luis, establishing a foundation of clear communication and shared goals. Miriam and Heber take the lead in creating each workshop, overseeing everything from concept and logistics to facilitation and promotion. They are instrumental in shaping the house community they aspire to build. Their efforts are reflected in the positive feedback received from student focus groups.

As they reflect on their journey, the Undocumented Student house team recognizes the profound impact they have had on shaping a community where residents thrive and genuine friendships flourish through activities such as “UTC runs”, door-to-door hang-out invitations, and cooking together. The team challenges themselves every day, stepping out of their comfort zones to engage in public speaking and address large groups of people, even when it feels daunting. This commitment to personal growth and pushing boundaries underscores their unwavering determination to make a lasting impact on the residents, demonstrating that true change often arises from embracing challenges and striving for improvement.

House Fellows Team presenting at the Kickoff event

Cooking workshop hosted by the Team

The Dream Project Fellowship (DPF) Coordinators are the heart and soul of our DPF program. The Coordinators lead this yearlong fellowship program that offers hands-on experience, professional development training, community support, and networking opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students regardless of immigration status.

One key requirement for students participating in this program is to attend Saturday Academies, which are crucial to the DPF program as a whole, as they serve as a space for all DPF students to be in the community and develop their professional development skills.

Our DPF Coordinators help nurture the success of DPF Fellows through the execution and careful planning of Saturday Academies and key DPF program events such as the DPF reception, Mock Interviews, and DPF Poster Symposium. Additionally, DPF Coordinators invite guest speakers, such as SIR mentors, undocumented entrepreneurs, alumni, and campus partners.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The DPF coordinators have curated a curriculum for multiple workshops for 58 fellows during their Saturday Academies while still ensuring that the fellows are creating long-lasting memories with each other. They employed adaptability in their developed strategy to enhance fellows’ engagement and assembled many interpersonal relationships with the different members of the DPF community.

DPF Coordinators Dulce, Angel, Maria, and Fatima at the RISE Suite

DPF Coordinators leading the way at the DPF Poster Symposium

In addition, DPF coordinators sought to extend their support beyond the professional realm by launching weekly newsletters to share more personal insights and build community, ensuring the fellows get to see their support system on a more intimate level.

They also create a welcoming environment through their newsletter and develop these relationships through their office hours. Saturday Academies are like no other. The cords begin with a speech of gratitude and end with a catchy chant, “DPF on 3 DPF on me… 1…2…3…DPF!”

With different signature events, they created a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for the community, encouraging fellows to advocate for themselves and discover their own identity.

The contributions of every one of the DPF Coordinators extends far beyond the professional realm, impacting fellows on a personal level by fostering a sense of belonging within our community. Through meticulously curated programs and events, the DPF Coordinators ensure that every participant gains meaningful experiences and builds lasting connections within the community. Their commitment to adaptability and inclusivity reflects their determination to cultivate an environment where all fellows feel supported and empowered to advocate for themselves.

KEY COLLABORATIONS:

DPF coords use their resources to enhance and nurture the professional development of fellows. They use their fantastic networking skills to organize workshops based on the skills and abilities of other teams. An example of this would be collaborating with the Scholars In Residence to help the fellows improve their resume and interview skills.

Dream Project Fellowship Coordinators running one of the key recurring Saturday Academies for all DPF fellows

DPF Coordinator team presenting at the DPF Welcome Reception

H I G H S C H O O L & C O M M U N I T Y

C O L L E G E O U T R E A C H

The transition from high school or community college to a university can be daunting for undocumented students. However, our Outreach Team has significantly eased this transition by fostering a welcoming environment at the UCI DREAM Center.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Throughout this year, the Outreach Team has organized various events and delivered impactful presentations, providing essential information about the DREAM Center's resources for undocumented students. This year, the team connected with 45 high schools and 53 community colleges.

Luis assures them of a supportive community awaiting them at the UCI DREAM Center.

Likewise, Injin, a fellow transfer student, empathizes with others and urges them to connect with the undocumented community at UCI for solidarity and assistance. Furthermore, Injin played a pivotal role in initiating a community-focused outreach program, collaborating with organizations aiding undocumented immigrants to raise awareness about available resources at UCI.

The Outreach team consists of three students, Injin, Luis, and Daniela. As a former transfer student himself, Luis openly recounts his path through community college and eventual arrival at UCI, aiming to shed light on the obstacles prospective students might encounter. Despite seeming daunting, he emphasizes that overcoming challenges is achievable.

Finally, Daniela, who transitioned to UCI directly from high school, emphasizes her journey as a pre-health student and her fervor for research and the healthcare sector. She candidly discusses her role as an advocate for herself in a realm that might seem inaccessible to undocumented students, illustrating how cultivating relationships on campus has propelled her toward her aspirations in the healthcare field.

Members of the Outreach team from left to right: Injin, Luis, and Daniela

In every presentation, the team promoted critical UCI opportunities to their audience, such as the DREAM Project Fellowship (DPF), immigrant legal services, and scholarships.

These efforts helped tremendously in informing Undocumented Students that higher education was possible at UCI.

SIGNATURE EVENTS:

This academic year, the Outreach Team hosted 4 events and 4 workshops.

The “Anterfly” Experience, is the DREAM Center’s signature event in Fall quarter, which welcomed community college and high school students who were in the process of submitting their college applications. This event welcomed over 50 prospective students and family members for a day-long conference at the DREAM Center. The Outreach team introduced participants to the DREAM Center's resources, a student panel of current students, and a networking lunch with UCI students, which provided prospective students an opportunity to dive deep into what it meant to be at UCI.

During Spring quarter, the center hosts the Undocumented Student Welcome at Celebrate UCI, where the team provided valuable resources and created a warm, welcoming atmosphere, complete with goodie bags for incoming students and their families. We reconnected with several students we had previously met at the Anterfly Experience and welcomed them as incoming students. This event was pivotal for many, helping them decide to commit to UCI. It's incredibly

meaningful to witness the journey of students from being applicants to welcoming them as

Additionally, the Outreach Team conducted a presentation for Resident Advisors (RAs) to bridge the knowledge gap about resources for undocumented students in housing. This event received excellent feedback and showcased the team's ability to support a diverse range of students from various backgrounds and academic standings.

Through these workshops and events, the Outreach Team has significantly impacted students affected by immigration policies. Prospective students have expressed heartfelt gratitude to the team for the invaluable information provided, which has greatly assisted them in their decision and transition to UCI.

Outreach team presenting at the Undocumented Student Welcome Reception during Celebrate UCI

Members of the outreach team with DREAM Center Director, Dr. Angela Ru Chen

ROLES & RES

The Student Operations Katherine, Jackie, and Anna—serves as the frontline of support for all students, faculty, staff, and community members who walk through our doors.

S N S

Community-building, collaboration, and service are the cornerstones of their work managing the center’s daily operations. Each week, they play a vital role in creating a safe and welcoming environment, ensuring students feel supported throughout their journeys at UCI.

The Student Operations team is instrumental in designing the center’s visual appeal, often decorating the space with great intentionality and care. From our annual RISE Suite Open House to holiday festivities and birthday celebrations, our Student Operations team consistently receives the highest praise for their efforts.

The Student Operations team is also instrumental in cultivating a culture of appreciation within the DREAM Center by celebrating over 30 birthdays with heartfelt gestures. Beyond recognition during team meetings, they prepare thoughtful gifts and notes for each team member, fostering inclusivity values and community spirit.

Student Operations Team from left to right: Jackie, Anna, Jefferson, Paola, and Katherine

Team members Jefferson and Katherine posing for a selfie at the DREAM Center

CELEBRATING MILESTONES:

This year, the Student Operations team supported over 50 center-wide events such as Financial Aid Drop-in Hours, Celebrate UCI, FIT & Fresh Wellness series, Anteater Involvement Fair, and Dream Project Fellowship (DPF) quarterly events. They consistently executed event logistics with great attention to detail, a high level of organization, and a synergetic collaboration among all team members—all while fostering meaningful connections with attendees. Most notably, by supporting 7 core DPF events—Saturday Academies, Welcome Reception, and Poster Symposium—they ensured that our DPF Student Coordinators could confidently execute their roles in fostering a community with our fellows.

Their largest undertaking was coordinating the DREAM Center’s inaugural Recognition Night. The special event is dedicated to acknowledging the remarkable achievements of our team and community partners over the past year. It is an evening with a curated cuisine, reflections of our collective milestones, and an award ceremony to honor distinguished students, advocates, and campus partners.

Together, the Student Operations team increased our center’s capacity, allowing us to meet the multi-faceted needs of our students, continue launching new program initiatives, and offer holistic programmatic services. Their commitment to community-building extends beyond their job descriptions, often stepping out of their comfort zones to strengthen bonds with students and promote inclusivity within the DREAM Center.

Members of the Student Operations team, Anna and Blanca, assisting with bringing in lunch for the Saturday Academy

Members of the Student Operations Team, Paola and Jackie, helping check in students for the DPF Saturday Academy

Members of the Student Operations team, Anna and Paola, registering attendees for the DPF Mock Interviews in Winter 2024.

ROLES & IMPACT ON CAMPUS:

This year we had the largest and most diverse cohort of Scholars in Residence (SIR) mentors —8 graduate and professional students from Law, Nursing, Comparative Literature, Computer Science, Global and International Studies, Chemical Engineering, Sociology, and Education. SIR mentors host weekly office hours to coach students, coordinate quarterly workshops, develop educational content, and build community spaces.

Many of our undocumented graduate and professional students represent less than 0.04 percent of the overall graduate/professional student population at UCI. Their presence in our DREAM Center space is a testament to the possible avenues for post-graduate pathways. Every mentor is committed to paving the way for more students to accomplish their career and educational goals regardless of immigration status.

WORKSHOPS & EVENTS:

This year, SIR mentors developed a strategic plan to increase the number of students they impacted through their mentorship and programmatic services. Our two Lead SIR mentors—Joseph and Jesus—developed a strategic plan outlining their goals for the year. The first goal was to host signature workshops to foster community, teach new professional development skills, and create a pathway for students to access mentorship services. The team is proud to have hosted 8 workshops with 230 participants—a

Scholars in Residence team from top to bottom: Josue, Barbara, Jesus, Joseph, Jenniffer, Justine, Mariana, and Guadalupe.

SIRs leading their very popular Boba Social event in Fall quarter

Every workshop and social event is designed and facilitated with great intentionality to address the diverse needs and challenges of our students. Together, they supported over 200 undergraduate students in navigating their academic journeys and exploring postgraduate education and career opportunities. The team hosted social events and academicbased workshops every quarter. Their strategic approach in using popular incentives to our UCI Anteaters such as boba drinks, helped increase their engagement and attendance numbers. In the Fall they hosted a Boba Social and a Graduate Student Panel to begin fostering a community with students in the space. In Winter, they hosted a Paint ’n Sip Social, a Professional Roadmap workshop, and a Mini-Zine workshop to promote self-care and exposure to different career and graduate school pathways. To end the year, they hosted their signature Spring event, Boba Sips and Resume Tips,” to teach students different resume-building skills. They also collaborated with the Immigrant Resilience Fellowship (IRF) to host a graduate school pathways workshop.

An additional important component of the team’s portfolio is to support the professional development curriculum of our Dream Project Fellowship (DPF) program, specifically the quarterly Saturday Academies for over 50 fellows. SIR mentors facilitated an interview and presentation skill-building workshop in preparation for our annual DPF Mock Interviews. SIR mentors were pivotal in equipping our DPF fellows with key skills to excel in their fellowship project sites and overall careers at UCI.

MENTORSHIP IMPACT:

SIR mentors host weekly office hours to provide mentorship services ranging from graduate school exploration and application preparation, resume building, research exploration, and self-advocacy. This year, our SIR team hosted over 100 mentorship office hour meetings—a 400% increase from 2022-2023 academic year. This record number is a testament to every mentor’s commitment and dedication to supporting our students and creating a welcoming environment that students can return to. We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and can’t wait to see what they undertake in the coming year.

Members of the SIR team providing support in the DPF Mock Interview Event

SIRs presenting during one of their workshops at a DPF Saturday Academy

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N D O C U A R T C O L L E C T I V E

Established in 2017 by UCI Alumni Bo Thai, the UndocuArt Collective has been a space of support for students affected by immigration policies. It provides a platform for them to express themselves, fostering a sense of community and well-being. The Collective firmly believes that creative expression is not just a form of art but a vital component of a student's overall health, offering validation beyond academics, social status, or professional pursuits.

Johanna Mejia Avila, Kitana Carbajal Juarez, and Rehana Morita, the current UndocuArt Collective team, are proud to have carved and held creative expressive space for the community. The UndocuArt Collective permits students to show up as their authentic selves and be in community with one another in ways not foreclosed by normative models of academic, social, and professional success that are still inaccessible to many in the community.

During the 2023-2024 academic year, UndocuArt Collective has helped open creative spaces for students through collaborations with the DREAM Center Scholars-in-Residence, Students Advocating For Immigrant Rights and Equity (SAFIRE), Student Outreach and Retention (SOAR) Center, and other groups on campus.

Students having fun at the UndocuArt Collective’s Ceramics event

UndocuArt Collective team from top to bottom: Rehana, Luis, Kitana, and Johanna

SIGNATURE EVENTS:

They have purposefully worked to create meaningful programming for the community, such as the “Self Reflection Mini-Zine Workshop” event that demonstrated to students creative ways of self-reflection and life-mapping by creating personal zines, as well as provided much-needed moments of radical merriment for and with the community through various movie nights and game nights. The UndocuArt Collective also partnered with ODA (Otros Dreams en Accion) to host a documentary screening of El Digno Retorno by Josue Eduardo Aguilar. This screening shined a light on the experiences of deported A formerly undocumented, now deported filmmaker and his ventures into a self-referential journey through the nuances of return migration in Mexico.

Their focus on community healing, creative expression, and space-making for alternative ways of being seen and heard has resonated with many students, engaging over 50 students just in the first 6 months of the 2023 - 2024 academic year!

As the UndocuArt Collective grows and develops, it is their hope that the program not only claims rightful space for the community but that, through creative and expressive modes, it continues to broaden and strengthen connections across campus and as we saw with the movie screening, even the world

The UndocuArt Collective reminds us that students have the power, passion, and drive to create spaces within an institution that serves them. A creative expression is a purposeful act that not only allows one to be seen but also has the radical potential to reimagine communal joy for those who are excluded from standard opportunities. For their endeavors and reminders when our community needs them most, we are immensely proud and thankful to the UndocuArt Collective.

UndocuArt Collective team members Johanna and Rehana facilitating their Zine Workshop event

UndocuArt Collective team member Rehana facilitating Halloween event

The Communications and Marketing team is dedicated to promoting the center’s services, events, and resources through various platforms, including social media, Discord, and newsletters. The team focuses on creating engaging content, managing marketing requests, and maintaining open lines of communication with the campus community. Their efforts have not only increased the center's visibility but also ensured that vital information effectively reaches undocumented students.

The Communications and Marketing Team consists of three student team members: Miguel, Alfredo, and Euclid. Throughout the year, the Communications Team has demonstrated remarkable creativity and dedication in fostering connections through innovative social media, content creation, and curation.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The team’s responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks designed to enhance the visibility and impact of the DREAM Center's services and events. The team is responsible for creating and managing engaging content across various social media platforms, including Instagram and Discord, to ensure the timely dissemination of information and announcements.

Communications and Marketing team from left to right: Alfredo, Miguel, and Euclid

The Communications team collaborating during their weekly meeting with their mentor, Alejandra Jero

Throughout this academic year, the team has meticulously managed the DREAM Center's social media accounts, utilizing these platforms to reach out to the undocumented student community and the broader audience at UCI.

Their efforts extended beyond mere Instagram posts; they engaged actively with the community through the DREAM Center weekly newsletter, ensuring that vital information and resources were effectively communicated to students.

The team also streamlined internal processes by handling social media content requests and developing an efficient "ticket requests" system on Discord. This system enabled them to manage over 20 ticket requests for marketing materials, promoting various DREAM Center events across multiple platforms to increase event attendance.

Communications team members setting up for filming a Monthly Wrap-Up video

The Communications Team has been instrumental in fostering connections through innovative social media, content creation, and curation, leading to the significant growth of the DREAM Center's social media presence.

SOCIAL MEDIA GROWTH:

The DREAM Center's social media pages saw an increase of 3,000 organic content interactions. Organic content interactions on Instagram refer to user engagement with posts, such as likes, comments, shares, and saves, without the influence of paid promotion. As of June 1, 2024, the DREAM Center Instagram page has reached 2,700 followers.

INNOVATIVE PROJECTS:

This increase in reach and engagement is a direct result of the initiative to creating Team Monthly Wrap-Up videos. The communications teams interviews, films, and edits videos of each DREAM Center teams to features their work on Instagram. This content has generated more traffic and engagement for the Instagram page, allowing for a wider reach and giving more spotlight to other important posts. These video posts generate thousands of videos and closes the gap between the community and the DREAM Center. The allow the center to showcase our student team members and connect with the UCI community.

The Communications and Marketing Team has had a transformative year marked by significant achievements in social media engagement, event promotion, and community connection.

Building Binational Bridges (BBB) is a crossborder convening organized by the UCI DREAM Center, the UCI Scholarships Office, and national partners.

This initiative aims to bring together students from the U.S. and national partners to discuss immigration and critical binational issues. The convening aims to promote a deep understanding of critical issues and fostering binational connections to address them.

The Building Binational Bridges convening has previously collaborated with UCI campus partners, five UC campuses, and our national partners in Mexico to successfully plan and execute three convenings in Mexico City from September 2022 through January 2024.

This academic year, the DREAM Center has also partnered with the UCI School of Education, the UCI Scholarships Office, and the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) to collaborate in the planning and execution of the BBB Japan 2024 convening.

Student participants of the BBB Japan 2024 convening will participate in cultural and educational explorations. Participants will have the opportunity to visit the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and interact with current TUFS students through co-curricular activities.

Hear from our March 2023 participants in the following video directed and edited by Kuni Kondo from the UCI Scholarships Office:

click the image to play the video from BBB Mexico 2023 participants.

Building Binational Bridges participants at Casa UC, Mexico City, Mexico 2023

The Immigrant Resilience Fellowship (IRF) program, a collaboration between the DREAM Center, SOAR Center, and the UCI Scholarships office, aims to support students in achieving academic success and personal development.

The program offers one-on-one peer mentoring, access to academic counseling, and participation in skill-building workshops.

Additionally, the Immigrant Resilience Fellowship program provides a $3,000 scholarship to students who are committed to working with other fellows and a peer mentor to improve their academic engagement at UCI.

Activities include meetings with their IRF peer mentor, academic counselor, professor or TA, IRF peers, and/or tutoring. Students also engage in community-building events and receive support from LARC Tutorial Sessions and the Center for Excellence in Writing and Communication. The program focuses on fostering a supportive environment to help students thrive academically and personally.

Immigrant Resilience Fellowship Cohort at the fall kick-off event

Immigrant Resilience Fellowship Cohort at the spring social

Immigrant Resilience Fellowship peer mentors from left to right, Jean Carlo and Nadia

The professional staff at the DREAM Center is a dedicated team committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, drawing on their wealth of experience and shared passion. Their tireless efforts not only provide essential resources and advocacy but also create a space where students can thrive academically and personally.

Comprising Dr. Angela “Ru” Chen, Blanca Villagomez Cedeño, Alejandra Jeronimo, and Luis Fuentes, this team oversees the diverse operations of the DREAM Center, offering vital support to the undocumented population at UC Irvine. With roles spanning various projects and responsibilities, they handle administrative duties and offer advisory support.

Under their guidance, the DREAM Center engages 20 undergraduate and 8 graduate students across 7 project sites, empowering them to contribute to logistical planning and execution of events for the undocumented community at UC Irvine. Ample staffing levels have facilitated enhanced program development and the pursuit of passion projects throughout the year. Plans are underway to further strengthen the team by

adding a fifth professional staff member in July 2024 to lead the Presidential Fellowship Experiential Learning Program (PFELP)

An important achievement for our team is prioritizing staff experience and wellness Through participation in a summer wellness program and quarterly staff development days, we've fostered a culture of self-care and community support within our team This emphasis is particularly vital as it aligns with the center's mission and values, ensuring that staff members are well-equipped both personally and professionally to provide traumainformed care to students

This year, each staff member's exceptional contributions were recognized Alejandra, Blanca, and Ru were honored as Student Affairs Employees of the Month, while Luis received the Ally Award from UCI's Dynamic Womxn’s Award, presented by the Womxn’s Center for Success

Moreover, beyond their roles at the DREAM Center, our staff actively contribute to campus-wide initiatives by serving on various committees, including the Public Safety Advisory Committee, Dynamic Womxn’s Award Committee, Disability Cultural Center Taskforce, Student Affairs Strategic Planning Committee, Arroyo Vista Sponsors Committee, and the UC Undocumented Student Services Committee

DREAM Center Team 2023-2024

THANK YOU

CELEBRATING THE 2023-2024 ACADEMIC YEAR WITH THE UCI DREAM CENTER