On Friday, April 21st, the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) hosted its first DREAMzone ally training for students, staff, and faculty. The training was facilitated by undocumented student members of Phi Iota Alpha Inc. and Fuerza e Integridad a Todos (FIAT), two student organizations at UCA that prioritize Latinx student leadership and empowerment.
Co-founded by Dr. Jesus Cisneros, assistant professor of College Student Personnel Services and Administration (CSPA), DREAMzone is a professional development training designed to provide students, staff, and faculty with awareness, knowledge, and skills for working with undocumented students. DREAMzone was created in an effort to acknowledge and address the unique challenges encountered by undocumented students in higher education and increase their educational attainment. DREAMzone seeks to reduce stigma and discrimination toward undocumented immigrants by promoting more culturally sensitive practices for responding to the presence and needs of undocumented students on campus.
In 2013, DREAMzone was recognized by the Clinton Global Initiative University for its innovative approach to addressing global challenges and societal needs. Since 2012, DREAMzone has been implemented at several institutions of higher education, including Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, University of Nevada at Las Vegas, Nevada State College, College of Southern Nevada, New Mexico State University, Colorado State University at Fort Collins, Harvard University, and most recently the University of Central Arkansas.
Interested in attending or hosting a training? Visit the DREAMzone website!