The article highlights the success of North Carolina's Career and College Promise (CCP) program, which allows high school students to earn associate degrees concurrently. It showcases Daniel, a 17-year-old graduating with an associate degree and paralegal certification, highlighting the program's impact on enabling financial independence.
Despite CCP's success, the article emphasizes the challenges faced by undocumented students and immigrant families. Concerns about the Trump administration's anti-immigrant policies have created a climate of fear among educators and students, hindering outreach efforts. Community colleges worry about being targeted for their support of immigrant students, leading to a reluctance to publicize their services.
The article underscores the importance of community colleges in addressing the growing Latino population's educational needs. It mentions that community colleges are adapting faster than K-12 schools and four-year universities in serving these communities. The CCP program acts as an engine for equity and access, especially for undocumented students who can benefit from free community college education.
The experiences of Olivia and Gabriela, two undocumented students, illustrate the hurdles they face. Olivia struggles to afford college tuition despite dual enrollment, and Gabriela wasn't informed about CCP, hindering her progress toward her goal. These stories highlight systemic barriers faced by undocumented students, who struggle to access financial aid and other resources, leading to uncertainty about the future.
Organizations like UndocuCarolina and Pupusas for Education work to fill gaps in support for undocumented students, providing scholarships and information. They advocate for policy changes and highlight the psychological impact of uncertainty on the immigrant community.