Webinar Series - 2026 Undocumented Student Success Summit

AI With Purpose: Advancing Equity, Belonging, and Student Success
Monday, October 19, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Explore how California Community College practitioners are using artificial intelligence to strengthen support for undocumented and historically marginalized students. Panelists will share real-world examples of AI projects, the challenges they sought to address, and how equity, trust, privacy, accessibility, and human connection shaped their work. Participants will leave with practical ideas and inspiration for thoughtfully exploring how AI tools can support their own work and advance student success.

Presenters:

Nestor Lomeli, Dean of Student Services, Lemoore College

Luis Chavez, AI Fellow | Counseling & Student Services, California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office

Alison Gurganus, Faculty Specialist for emerging technology, San Diego Community College District

Moderator: Haley

Centering Trust: Building Mental Health Access for Undocumented Students
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Undocumented students face significant mental health needs yet remain underserved due to immigration-related barriers and gaps in how institutions provide support. Research from Immigrants Rising’s mental health programs reveals that trust – at both the institutional and interpersonal levels – is a critical missing condition. This session presents findings from our research, identifies best practices, and offers concrete, adaptable models for collaboration among campus and community stakeholders. Participants will leave with practical next-steps.

Presenters:

RJ Ronquillo, Immigrants Rising Research and Data Analyst

Laura Enriquez, PhD, Title and Contact TBD

Moderator: Alonso

More Than a Starting Point: The Power of Noncredit Education for Undocumented Students
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Noncredit education can provide an important pathway for undocumented and immigration impacted students to access higher education, build skills, and advance toward their academic and career goals. This webinar will highlight promising practices for creating welcoming and inclusive noncredit programs, supporting students as they navigate AB 540 eligibility, strengthening partnerships across campus and community, and building pathways from noncredit to credit programs. Presenters will share practical strategies and lessons from the field that colleges can adapt to strengthen access, belonging, retention, and student success.

Presenters:

Dario Fernandez, Director DREAM Program, Mt. San Antonio College

Maria Hernandez, Student Services Coordinator, Counseling and Student Services, North Orange Continuing Education

Moderator: Haley

Behind the Consultation: A Conversation with Immigration Legal Services Providers
Thursday, October 22, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

What happens when a student connects with an immigration legal services provider? Join a panel of legal services professionals for a conversation that demystifies the process and helps students and practitioners better understand what to expect before, during, and after a legal consultation. Our panelists will share how students can prepare for an appointment, what a consultation may look like, what happens after the meeting, and how legal services teams support students in understanding their options and next steps. The conversation will also highlight the free and confidential immigration legal services available to California Community College students and how practitioners can help connect students to these important resources.

Presenters:

Barbara C. Pinto, Esq., Co-Executive Director, Immigrant Legal Defense

Luis Gonzalez, Esq., The Gess Family Foundation Executive Director of Immigration and Refugee Services

Ma. Sofia Corona, Directing Attorney, UFW Foundation

Moderator: Alonso