UndocuSuccess Fellowship Program

About the Fellowship

UndocuSuccess Fellows (U-Fellows) will be a vital component of the UndocuSuccess program. They are role models who help undocumented students transition into college and build positive relationships to support them through college. Our UFellows are advocates, team players, knowledgeable about Cerro Coso resources, and passionate.

We are looking for students to join the UndocuSuccess Fellowship Program. This is a career development opportunity perfect for students who want to grow professionally. If you consider yourself someone who is highly motivated, mature, reliable, and committed to helping others, then we encourage you to apply! Although this is not a job, students will learn valuable skills that they can use in the future. Ideal fellows will have lived experience with the undocumented community.

Each fellow will be awarded a $3600 stipend for the Fall and a $3600 stipend for the Spring semester. The fellowship is for two semesters maximum and there is a 10 hour maximum for each work week.

These fellowships are made possible by AB1645 – the DREAM Resource Liaison bill that allocated funding for CA Community Colleges.

Expected Skill Development and Learning Outcomes

The objective of the fellowship is to give U-Fellows the opportunity to learn and/or refine the following skills:

Public speaking to share your college experience and success strategies (e.g., time management, leadership, involvement, etc.) with undocumented students
Awareness, sensitivity, and respect for racial, ethnic, gender, sexual, ability, age, income, and other forms of diversity; special emphasis on the intersectionality of undocumented students
Customer service to support students, families, staff, and visitors while respecting privacy and confidentiality
Collaboration and teamwork with our staff and students
Community building with students, families, student employees, staff, faculty, and other departments

Responsibilities

U-Fellows have three primary responsibilities: 1) to help UndocuSuccess students navigate Cerro Coso, 2) to assist the staff of your assigned department with special projects, and 3) to maintain a welcoming and supportive environment. To fulfill these responsibilities, U-Fellows will be expected to:

Provide customer service to everyone who calls and visits Cerro Coso
Maintain frequent contact with students to suggest resources that help them navigate college
Facilitate small group activities and assist with events
Communicate and collaborate with staff about inquiries, projects, and student cases
Assist staff with special projects
Create publications (e.g., flyers, brochures, emails, Instagram posts, etc.)
Meet with mentor regularly and consistently
Lift at least 25 lbs. (to carry boxes, move tables, lift water bottle packs, etc.)
Attend monthly check-ins with the Director of Equity and Inclusion
Attend the annual Undocu Student Success Summit
Help plan and participate in Undocumented Student Success Actions Week

Minimum Qualifications

Demonstrate deep knowledge about the experiences of the undocumented community
Have a completed Ed Plan on file
Commit to enrolling in at least 6 units in the Fall, Spring and Summer
Have completed at least two semesters of credit classes at Cerro Coso
Possess good customer service and people skills
Completed CA Dream Act or FAFSA
0 cumulative GPA and meet Satisfactory Academic Progress

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrate knowledge about policies and laws pertaining to the undocumented community
Fluency in any of the following languages: ASL, Chinese, Tagalog and/or Spanish
Demonstrate evidence of leadership potential and/or extra-curricular involvement

Award

Students selected to participate in this fellowship will receive a grant for $7200 for the academic year. Having a work permit or a social security number is NOT required.

Schedule

Fellowship hours will vary and may include evening and weekend commitments.

Application Information

Students selected to participate have the opportunity to be in the fellowship for up to one year (from the Fall semester through the Spring semester). If you are interested, submit all of the following documents to be considered for the fellowship:

UndocuSuccess Fellowship Application Process

☐ Fill out the application form

☐ Resume (if you need assistance please visit the Counseling Services (760) 384-6219)

☐ Unofficial Transcripts

☐ Fall Class Schedule

☐ A Professional Reference (a Letter of recommendation is NOT required)

Please submit all documents to equity@cerrocoso.edu with U-FELLOW APPLICATION in the subject line.

Possible Start Date

We anticipate that U-Fellows will start during the 1st week of the Fall semester. The fellowship will continue until the end of the Spring semester.

Questions?

Please contact:

Dr. Cynthia Roberson, Director, Equity & Inclusion
(760) 384-6264
cynthia.roberson@cerrocoso.edu

Interested in participating in our fellowship program? Learn more about UndocuSuccess Fellowship.