A High School Senior’s Path to Success
Daniel, a 17-year-old high school senior in rural North Carolina, is on the cusp of achieving his dreams. He will soon graduate with a high school diploma, an associate degree, and a paralegal certification from a local community college. His remarkable journey is a testament to the power of early college programs and the Career and College Promise (CCP) initiative.
A Catalyst for Change
The CCP program, established by the North Carolina state legislature in 2011, allows eligible high school students to simultaneously work toward completion of a high school diploma and an associate degree. This innovative program has been instrumental in setting Daniel and many other students up for success. With CCP, students can attend up to four years of community college free of charge, making it an attractive option for students from low-income backgrounds.
Breaking Barriers for Undocumented Students
The CCP program offers a unique benefit for undocumented students, who are ineligible for most financial aid and face significant barriers to accessing higher education. However, by participating in dual enrollment, these students can attend up to four years of community college without incurring out-of-state tuition. This provision has been a game-changer for students like Olivia, who was able to pursue her education despite facing numerous obstacles.
A Growing Population
North Carolina is home to a growing Latino population, with young Latino citizens accounting for much of the growth. Many of these students come from mixed-status families, where only some family members have authorization to be in the US. Despite this, the education system in North Carolina was largely ill-equipped to serve Latino students, particularly in rural communities.
Challenges and Concerns
The Trump administration’s anti-immigrant policies have created a climate of fear and uncertainty for students, educators, and administrators. Many are afraid to make efforts to support immigrant communities, fearing that they will be targeted by immigration authorities. Community colleges are particularly vulnerable, as they are often seen as “sensitive locations” where immigration enforcement can occur.
Engines of Equity and Access
Despite these challenges, community colleges are well-positioned to serve immigrant communities. They offer flexible schedules, English classes for adults, continuing education, and curriculum programs that can lead to certificates, diplomas, and degrees. North Carolina has made significant strides in recruiting Latino students, including hiring Latino educators to oversee Latino student engagement and outreach.
A Data-Driven Approach
Research has shown that Latino student outreach is a key factor in increasing community college enrollment and competitiveness. In 2018, the North Carolina community college system partnered with population scientists to examine demographic shifts in the state. The study identified Latino student outreach as a primary tool for increasing enrollment.
Personal Stories
For students like Olivia and Gabriela, the journey to higher education is fraught with challenges. Despite their hard work and dedication, they face significant barriers due to their immigration status. Olivia, who dreams of becoming a pediatrician, is currently able to afford only one community college class per semester. Gabriela, who is working as a teacher’s assistant, is struggling to plan for her future due to limited options.
A Call to Action
Organizations like UndocuCarolina and Pupusas for Education are working to fill the gaps in support for undocumented students. However, many students are forced to make decisions about their future out of desperation. It is essential that we recognize the importance of providing equitable access to higher education for all students, regardless of their immigration status.
A Path Forward
As we move forward, it is crucial that we prioritize the needs of immigrant communities and provide support for students like Daniel, Olivia, and Gabriela. By doing so, we can break the cycle of uncertainty and create a more equitable education system for all.
| Benefits of CCP | Description |
|---|---|
| Attends up to four years of community college free of charge | Eligible high school students can simultaneously work toward completion of a high school diploma and an associate degree. |
| Flexible schedules | Community colleges offer flexible schedules, English classes for adults, continuing education, and curriculum programs that can lead to certificates, diplomas, and degrees. |
| English classes for adults | Community colleges offer English classes for adults, which can help students improve their language skills and access higher education. |
“I think many districts found themselves unexpectedly transformed by the increase in immigration. Interestingly, community colleges are catching up at a much faster rate than our K-12 schools and our four-year universities. Programs like CCP are great for all students; they are engines of equity and access for all North Carolinians, including undocumented students.” – Alice Dolbow, Senior Adviser at LatinxEd
“I feel like every year, I’ve learned about something different that I can’t do,” said Olivia, who dreams of becoming a pediatrician. “I can’t legally work. I can’t get a driver’s license. I can’t leave the country. College is starting to feel like another thing that’s impossible. I’m starting to really worry that I have to give up on school.”
“I want to comfort them, but at any moment I know that I can be the one who is deported,” said Gabriela, a teacher’s assistant who is working to support her own education. “My work permit can be taken away at any moment, and what happens if I’ve enrolled in school? There are no good options. I want to remain hopeful, but I also feel like: do I really want to go back to school now? Putting myself through school will be such a sacrifice. What if I can’t do anything with my education?”
A Path Forward
As we move forward, it is crucial that we prioritize the needs of immigrant communities and provide support for students like Daniel, Olivia, and Gabriela. By doing so, we can break the cycle of uncertainty and create a more equitable education system for all.
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