Partners & Allies A list of Undocumented Student Program partners & allies. Staff on Campus Miguel Angel Avila Jr., M.Ed. | Financial Aid Counselor Miguel‘s family is originally from the states of Chihuahua and Durango, Mexico. His father worked as a Laborer for over 40 years and his mother raised a family of four children. Miguel graduated from the University of San Francisco in 2006 with a BA in Latin American Studies and Communications and with his Masters in Education in 2016. He was politically active whilst a student there in latino organizations to assist with the high attrition rates for latino students. He went onto work for financial institutions during the economic crisis and educated Spanish speaking clients on how to manage their bank accounts and over all financial literacy in the Fruitvale District in Oakland, CA. Miguel continued his education at USF and pursued a career in student services at UC Berkeley that started in 2014.He currently is a Financial Aid Counselor and has an overall knowledge of student systems at the University. Fun Fact: Miguel likes many genres of music, ballads, banda, norteno, hip-hop, R&B, Salsa, 80’s, rock, and the list goes on. Luis Yataco | Transfer Coordinator and Outreach Counselor with CEP Luis Yataco was born and raised in Peru before moving to California to complete his high school education. As an undocumented student at the time, he felt intimidated by the complexity of the college process and did not consider pursuing a 4-year university education while in high school. Fortunately he found great mentors at his local community college, where he also discovered his passion for higher education and promoting educational access. Current, Luis is the Transfer Coordinator and Outreach Specialist for students who are undocumented, formerly incarcerated/system impacted, and current/former foster youth. His role is to connect with community college students in these communities who are interested in UC Berkeley and other UC’s to provide them with support and guidance to achieve their academic goals. Understanding first hand the challenges of navigating new academic institutions, Luis’ experience in higher education and commitment to educational equity motivate him to play a positive influence in the lives of those he serves. To get in touch with Luis, complete this form or email him at luisyataco@berkeley.edu. Organizations & Networks Graduates Reaching a Dream Deferred, California Network Graduates Reaching A Dream Deferred (GRADD) is an organization founded by undocumented graduate students, which aims to address the needs of immigrant students interested in pursuing graduate education. GRADD works to establish a national network of students, faculty members and community leaders dedicated to bringing resources and attention to this underserved student population. Through the creation of an inclusive and safe environment, GRADD intends to reassure students that their academic and professional goals are achievable. National Forum on Higher Education for the Public Good, Ann Arbor, Michigan The National Forum exists to support higher education’s role as a public good. In this pursuit, the Forum utilizes research and other tools to create and disseminate knowledge that addresses higher education issues of public importance. UndocuScholars, UCLA UndocuScholars is a study reaching students at U.S. colleges who do not have the benefit of recognized documentation status. The project aims to reach students at every type of institution — community colleges and four-year colleges and universities, public or private — across the country. National Immigration Law Center Founded in 1979, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is the primary advocacy organization in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights and opportunities of low-income immigrants and their families. Immigrants Rising E4FC’s mission is to empower undocumented young people to achieve their academic and career goals and actively contribute to society. TheDream.US TheDream.US is a new multimillion dollar National Scholarship Fund for DREAMers, created to help immigrant youth who’ve received DACA achieve their American Dream through the completion of a college education. Migration Policy Institute The Migration Policy Institute is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank in Washington, DC, dedicated to analysis of the movement of people worldwide. Center for American Progress The Center for American Progress is an independent, nonpartisan policy institute dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action. Its aim is not just to change the conversation, but to change the country. Asian Americans Advancing Justice The mission of Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ) is to promote a fair and equitable society for all by working for civil and human rights and empowering Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other underserved communities. Campus Initiatives Institute for Immigration, Globalization and Education, UCLA The Institute for Immigration, Globalization and Education (IGE) conducts multidisciplinary and comparative research engaging policymakers, practitioners and institutional leaders. Longhorn Dreamers Project, University of Texas at Austin The Longhorn DREAMers Project seeks to strengthen support services on campus for undocumented students enrolled at The University of Texas at Austin. UCLA Undocumented Student Program The Bruin Resource Center’s Undocumented Student Program offers caring and personalized support to undergraduate and graduate undocumented students. The BRC provides a welcoming and safe space to help students navigate UCLA. The BRC offers mentoring and encouragement, guidance on educational strategies and financial opportunities, and tools to succeed academically and personally. They increase campus awareness of, and advocate for, undocumented student issues. In doing so, the BRC fosters a sense of belonging, community and well-being for all undocumented students on campus.