Dreamer Fund

In collaboration with college and community partners, Hartnell’s Center for Achievement and Student Advancement (Mi CASA) supports Dreamer students in achieving their educational and personal goals through direct services, advocacy, and opportunities for student leadership and engagement. The word Dreamer is an umbrella term used to describe a large group of students which includes DACA, AB 540, and other types of students who do not possess US citizenship or permanent residency (undocumented). While Dreamer students pass their classes at a higher rate than Hartnell Students overall, the number of students who graduate and transfer to four year institutions is disproportionately low. Research indicates that the primary causes for this phenomenon are psychological and financial stress.

An informal survey of Hartnell Dreamer students revealed over 80% did not feel that they belonged to a group on campus that they could trust​1​. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) Program has provided temporary relief to many Dreamer students in the form of work permits, driver licenses, and protection against deportation. Now that the program is being threatened, students face an insecure future. Dreamer students do not qualify for most forms of financial aid, and are not eligible for federal work study. Financial stress is the leading cause of Dreamer students not being able to complete their degrees. Additionally, the emerging generation of Dreamer high school graduates does not have access to DACA, resulting in additional financial barriers for students without DACA benefits. The expensive textbooks required for their courses, results in students falling behind, leading them to drop out.