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| Brenda Santoyo, SLCC Dream Center Manager |
SLCC West Valley Dream Center Expands
The Salt Lake Community College West Valley Center (SLCC WVC) hosted an open house to celebrate the Dream Center expanding to a bigger space in the WVC. The Dream Center is open to anyone—students or community members— regardless of nationality, but who are undocumented (with and without DACA) and members of mixed-status families. “This center represents what many of us did not have, but we can now share it with future generations,” says Brenda Santoyo, manager of the Dream Center.
“This expansion gives the undocumented community recognition. It symbolizes to the people that there is a space where they belong, and they are welcomed in,” says Daniel Flores, an SLCC student.
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| Atziri Regalado, Keynote Speaker, shares her experience and gratitude towards the Dream Center as a former SLCC student |
Growing the Dream Center to Better Serve the Community
The Dream Center expanded its facility at the West Valley Center thanks to a grant. The expansion allows multiple students to spend time at the center simultaneously. “Growing the center shows dedication for our students," says Cristina Guerrero Perez, Dream Center coordinator. The Dream Center provides its students and community members with a haven in school, and resources to access and complete their college education.
The Dream Center's growth in the WVC provides a message to the community where they are located, the community that is the fastest growing and most diverse city in the State. "This growth of the center represents the opportunity to obtain a higher education for those in the community," says Alex Bonifaz, an SLCC student.
"The expansion not only means the physical bigger space. It is a space where students can be provided with mentorship, community, and resources needed to succeed. It is an excellent retention tool," says Monica Perez, College Recruitment advisor.
The Dream Center's growth in the WVC provides a message to the community where they are located, the community that is the fastest growing and most diverse city in the State. "This growth of the center represents the opportunity to obtain a higher education for those in the community," says Alex Bonifaz, an SLCC student.
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| SLCC students attend Dream Center Open House to celebrate the expansion of the Center. |
The Dream Center is Not Exclusive to the Spanish Speaking Community
Unfortunately, many students and community members believe that the Dream Center is only here to serve the Hispanic/Latino Community, and that could not be further from the truth. "Most of the students we serve speak Spanish, but that does not mean we only cater to them. We welcome anyone from undocumented students to members of mixed families status; we will gladly help anyone," clarifies Brenda when speaking about those who can benefit from the center.
The SLCC West Valley Center, in partnership with the Dream Center and other higher education institutions, provides multiple services and resources to the students and the community to strengthen the relationship between the College and the community.
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