Dear Students, 

At Wenatchee Valley College, we believe that our immigrant community enriches our college, community, workforce, and nation as a whole. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, we are proud of the diversity within our college, and we are committed to providing the services and support that you need to succeed.   

Over the past several months, we have heard concerns from faculty, staff, and students about the safety of the immigrant communities we serve and are connected to across North Central Washington. Today, I want to share a message of support and update you on the work we are doing to make our campuses welcoming, safe, and supportive environments for all members of our community, regardless of immigration status. 

Dreamers Welcome 

To our Dreamers, undocumented, and DACA-mented students: you are welcome at WVC. Staff and faculty are here to help you. Watch for Dreamers Welcome stickers—a blue butterfly with the message “Dreamers Welcome” — placed in offices and departments at both campuses in the coming weeks. These stickers signify a safe space for you to speak with a WVC employee about status-related concerns and resources available to you and/or your family.  

Dreamers Task Force 

In 2016, faculty and staff launched the Dreamers Task Force. This group looked at the barriers that kept students from coming to WVC as a result of their immigration status. They also provided training, resources, and support to our campuses on how to best serve our students. 

The Dreamers Task Force will return this quarter and will focus on how we can create more opportunities for you to flourish at WVC. Please take some time to review the Dreamers Task Force web page to learn more about campus resources in Omak and Wenatchee, including counseling, benefits navigators, and the Student Grants Center, as well as local and national resources. 

Undocumented Students 

In addition to the Dreamers Task Force, you can visit the Undocumented Students website to learn more about the 2014 Real Hope Act, also known as the Washington Dream Act, which expands eligibility for the Washington State Need Grant to non-citizens who meet the program’s eligibility requirements. You will also find information about financial aid and scholarship resources for undocumented students. 

Know Your Rights 

Resources are available to help you understand your basic rights. Visit the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project website to learn more and to find bilingual resources that have been reviewed and vetted by our team at WVC. 

Keep Washington Working Act (KWW) 

In 2019, the Washington legislature passed the Keep Washington Working Act (KWW) to protect the rights and dignity of all residents in our state. This law was created in recognition of the nearly one million Washingtonians who are immigrants making significant contributions to the workplace and our economy. 

Through the KWW Act, WVC will work to ensure our staff and faculty are knowledgeable about students’ basic rights and that students’ rights are protected while they are on our campuses. 

Questions? 

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Vanessa Saldivar, executive director of HSI Initiatives. Vanessa is a proud immigrant from Mexico and began her college journey as an undocumented student before obtaining DACA. She understands the challenges and strengths of immigrant families and communities, and is passionate about helping undocumented students achieve their dreamers.