A National Voice for Immigrant Education

The Community College Consortium for Immigrant Education is a national network of community colleges dedicated to giving immigrants and refugees full access to higher education in order to accelerate their success as new Americans and enable them to achieve their educational, career, and personal goals.

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Reports and Resources:

Urge Congress to Pass the Dream Act Nowelsa-y-raulIn light of the Trump administration’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, CCCIE stands ready to assist students and their families and ensure that all immigrant students, especially DACA and non-DACA undocumented youth, have full opportunities to pursue their educational and career goals.  Read more for actions to take and resources to share to #DefendDACA now.

Read CCCIE’s New BlogOur three part blog is on the topic of skilled immigrants and refugees, who arrive in the U.S. with significant experience in professional and technical fields, yet often times end up unemployed or working in low-wage, survival jobs. This significant “brain waste” in the skilled immigrant population is occurring while many open jobs are going unfilled because there aren’t enough qualified candidates to fill them. Part 1 is on Systems Navigation; Part 2 deals with Creating a New Curriculum and Part 3 talks about Gaining U.S. Work Experience Through Volunteering.

Highlights of CCCIE’s Workannual-report-thCCCIE is pleased to share highlights of our work, best practices, and resources to help your college strengthen its immigrant education and integration initiatives and accelerate success of adult ESL learners.  Read more.

Bridging the Gap for Foreign-Educated Immigrants: An Online Toolkit for Community Colleges and CBOsbridging-gap-thCCCIE and WES Global Talent Bridge developed this online toolkit that community college and CBO practitioners can use to integrate foreign-educated students into college programs and careers. You’ll find best practices, success stories, videos, checklists, and other interactive tools.

What's New:

Higher Education Leaders Voice Opposition to “Public Charge” RuleThe Department of Homeland Security has proposed regulations that would penalize low-income immigrants, who receive or who are “likely to receive” public benefits, such as health, housing, and food assistance, that are critical to ensuring they enroll and succeed in higher education. Under the proposed rule, which substantially expands the definition of “public charge,” legally authorized immigrants who access basic nutrition, housing, and health programs, could jeopardize their chances of obtaining green cards or restrict any future opportunities to change or upgrade their immigration status. Read more.

Presidents for New American Success PledgeBelinda-thCCCIE is launching an exciting new initiative—a College Presidents Campaign to engage additional community college presidents across the country in CCCIE’s mission. Westchester Community College in Valhalla, NY Is proud to host CCCIE and be part of this national initiative. Read more about our Presidents for New American Success Pledge and sign on.

New Bipartisan Dream Act of 2017The recently announced bipartisan Dream Act of 2017, which would provide legal permanent residence and eventual citizenship to eligible undocumented youth who arrived in the U.S. as children, includes some new provisions especially relevant to the diverse immigrant student population at community colleges.  The bill, introduced by Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Lindsey Graham, comes at a critical time as 10 states have threatened to sue the federal government if if the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is not abolished before September 5, 2017.  Read more .

Learning the Language of Retailwhole-foods-thThe retail sector has one of the highest levels of limited English proficient workers. The National Immigration Forum, in partnership with the Walmart Foundation, CCCIE, and Miami Dade College are collaborating to develop a scalable, contextualized ESL program, Skills and Opportunity for the New American Workforce, to help retailers build stronger career pathways for their employees. Read more and view this multi-media report and the Forum’s New American Workforce blog.

 

Student Success Stories

Jibril Yahaya Luwaa

Westchester Community College
Country of origin: Ghana

As I prepare for my third semester in the Respiratory Care Program, I plan to continue my studies after graduation from Westchester Community College. Each day I spend at the college is a constant reminder of how desire and hard work can lead to success. The college’s superior facilities and the willingness of the professors to help students succeed have combined to make my time here a wonderful experience.

Satwinderjit Kaur

Johnson County Community College
Country of origin: India

After graduating from high school, I was eager and determined to reach my educational goals. I always dreamt of becoming a successful business woman. A four-year university was not an option for me due to the high cost. However, Johnson County Community College’s affordable tuition became my higher educational institute of choice and became my platform to broaden my horizons.

Cecilia G. Corral

South Texas College
Country of origin: Mexico

"I never thought I would get into Stanford and it was a thrill to receive the acceptance letter," said Corral. "I recently attended a welcoming event for incoming students and I was shocked that some of the faculty members and administrators already knew me by name. I felt very special and I am anxious to get back and start my studies."

Fernando Villavicencio

Miami Dade College
Country of origin: Ecuador

Fernando Villavicencio migrated three years ago from his native Guayaquil, Ecuador. With dreams to become a Mechanical Engineer, he came to the United States in search of the American Dream. When Fernando first arrived to this country, he did not speak a word of English and was unable to communicate effectively. He was certain he wanted to pursue an education, but thought it was impossible as a result of his hectic schedule and lack of knowledge of the English language.

Anne Sarie Yva Cossogue

Miami Dade College
Country of origin: Haiti

Anne Sarie Yva Cossogue migrated from Haiti two years ago in order to pursue a degree in Biology in hopes of becoming an obstetric-gynecologist. From an early age, Anne would dream of the day she would be able to pursue an education in this county. As a result, after finishing high school two and a half years ago, she migrated to the United States to obtain a college degree.

Nadine Khair

Westchester Community College
Country of origin: Jordan

Coming to Westchester Community College at age seventeen was daunting. However, I had a need to pursue an education in the United States. Since I have been at the college, I have become very active in and out of class. I am proud to say that I am part of the Honor Program and a member of the National Honor Society. In addition to my college activities, I also participate in programs sponsored by the Arabic church in my community and continue to hold a part-time job.

David Monges

Westchester Community College
Country of origin: Paraguay

Although I have just begun my undergraduate career, my plans are to complete a double major, and then transfer to a four-year university to complete my bachelor’s in Architecture. I am grateful to be able to attend Westchester Community College with the assistance of the Kathryn W. Davis Global Community Scholarship Program. The institution offers great opportunities and academic programs for all, including immigrants and non-traditional students.

Frank Gyamfi

Johnson County Community College
Country of origin: Ghana

Ever since a tender age, it has forever been my desire to pursue a career in the medical field to help people when they are ill. I am currently studying Pre-Pharmacy at Johnson County Community College because I want to be a pharmacist.

Karima Ben Ayed

Northern Virginia Community College
Country of origin: Germany

I’m an international student from Germany and I chose NOVA because it’s affordable. I’m able to experiment and take classes that are not necessarily required for my program, giving me ample time to figure out what I’d like to do in the long run.

Keyla Torres

Wright College
Country of origin: Honduras

Keyla Torres, an immigrant from Honduras, started anew at Wright College in 2004. Today, she is Eli’s Cheesecake Company’s Business Specialist. Like many other immigrants, Torres went to the United States in hopes of a brighter future. She graduated from Wright College in 2007 with an Associate’s Degree in Arts. Soon after, she transferred to Northwestern University, eventually graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in 2009 with a major in Political Science and a minor in Economics.

Vitor Granja

Westchester Community College
Country of origin: Brazil

When Vitor Granja first moved to this country in 2008 from Brazil, he had no knowledge of English. He attended ESL classes while working as a landscaper during the week and babysitter on the weekends. Today, Vitor is a graduate of Westchester Community College and winner of several awards, including the State University of New York Chancellors Award and the 2013 All-USA Community College Academic Team. He will continue his education this fall at New York University Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Culture.

Fidel Gonzalez Safora

Westchester Community College
Country of origin: Cuba

“I’m very grateful for the ESL program at Westchester Community College,” says Fidel Gonzalez Safora, who came to the United States from Cuba in the spring of 2013. Despite having recently earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from his home country, the only job Fidel could find here was in the meatpacking department of a local supermarket. His lack of English language skills and lack of U.S. job experience were significant barriers holding him back.

Giana Saloman

LaGuardia Community College
Country of origin: Haiti

Giana Saloman was born in Haiti. When she was 19, her older sister, a nurse, convinced her to go to school to pursue nursing. She worked as a Registered Nurse in Haiti for 7 years until 2010, when the earthquake caused her family to move to the United States to find safety, stability and opportunity for her then 3-year-old daughter. After years of unemployment and underemployment in the United States, Giana joined the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Foreign Trained Nurses program at the LaGuardia Community College Welcome Back Center and funded by the NYC Department of Small Business Services.

Aida Rodriguez

Palm Beach State College
Country of origin: Mexico

A native of Mexico, Aida Rodriguez received her Associate in Arts degree from Palm Beach State College in Lake Worth, FL, with honors in May 2013 and is also the 2013 recipient of the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, which will allow her to complete her bachelor’s degree at a university. She is enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania. The scholarship will pay up to $30,000 per year for two to three years to cover tuition, living expenses, books, and required fees. She is among 73 students nationwide to receive the scholarship.

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