Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Fundraiser to be grateful for: virtual DREAMers Breakfast garners record support

Photos and story by Alfredo V. Moreno

Community members from throughout the Portland metro area sent a clear message of support to Portland Community College’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and undocumented students during its annual DREAMers Breakfast fundraiser last month. The virtual event drew 260 attendees who combined to raise more than $51,000 – both record totals – for PCC Foundation DREAMer scholarships.

DREAMers refer to the DREAM Act (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act), which was a bill in Congress that would have granted legal status to certain undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children.

During these times of economic uncertainty, the future can be even more daunting for DACA and undocumented students, who are barred from receiving federal financial aid. Undocumented immigrants and their families (including U.S. citizens), were also largely excluded from receiving aid from the recently passed federal CARES Act to address the economic impact of COVID-19. As a result, they have faced additional burdens in areas such as food and housing insecurity and a lack of access to resources.

PCC’s DREAMers Resource Center — the first of its kind in the state of Oregon — provides a safe place for DREAMers and students of any immigrant status to achieve their academic goals, gain leadership skills, and receive financial and legal support. While PCC operates remotely, the DREAMers Resource Center continues to provide mentorship, support services, and scholarship opportunities.