This Mentor professional development session offers an overview of the legal, financial, and social barriers faced by undocumented and first-generation students and their families. Participants will learn about the diversity within the undocumented community and the challenges these students encounter when pursuing college, financial aid, and careers, as well as the unique obstacles first-gen youth face when they are the first in their families to navigate these systems.
The session also covers essential federal, state, and local protections for undocumented individuals, guidance on rights during encounters with immigration officers, and key resources available to support those impacted by detention. The workshop additionally highlights important supports for first-gen youth, including strategies to help them access information, opportunities, and mentorship.
By the end of the workshop, attendees will be equipped with practical knowledge to better support undocumented and first-gen students, and to help create more inclusive environments.