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Educational Advocacy

Through leadership empowerment, GRACIAS is working to increase access to higher education for students with non-citizenship status in Georgia, helping them reach a brighter future to strengthen our whole community.

GRACIAS for helping us make education possible for all!

Overview

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The Purpose

Our Educational Advocacy project focuses on educating and empowering a select group of 12 students about legislative matters within Georgia and the United States that affect access to higher education for Hispanic or non-Hispanic youth with noncitizen status.

Knowledge & Advocacy

Project participants will gain comprehensive knowledge about key legislative issues affecting our community. They will learn how to advocate effectively for those impacted by these laws, equipping them with essential skills to become community leaders.

Empowerment & Leaders

We aim to empower students by giving them the leadership skills, confidence, and tools necessary to step into influential roles within their communities. We believe in fostering a sense of agency and responsibility among our project's participants.

Advocacy through Knowledge and Collaboration

Our program spans several months, featuring biweekly sessions on key legislative topics, documentation statuses, and advocacy.

With expert speakers and interactive discussions, students will work on a collaborative project to share their knowledge with the community.

Timeline & Curriculum

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September

Introduction to Differing Documentation Status

In the first session, participants will be introduced to the various documentation statuses that individuals may hold, such as DACA, undocumented, or temporary protected status. This foundational understanding will set the stage for discussions on how these statuses impact access to higher education and other opportunities.

Early October

Exploration of Significant Legislation Affecting Access to Higher Education

Participants will explore past and present legislation that has influenced access to higher education for noncitizen students. The session will cover landmark laws, policies, and executive orders, analyzing their impacts and the role of advocacy in shaping these outcomes.

Mid October

Documentation Statuses and Challenges in Higher Education

A guest speaker with expertise in immigration law and education will delve deeper into the specific challenges faced by students with different documentation statuses. This session will include real-life examples and a discussion on the barriers these students encounter, such as limited access to financial aid, scholarships, and certain educational institutions.

Late October

Legislation and Political Motivations

A political analyst or policymaker will speak about the motivations behind different legislative actions related to immigration and education. The discussion will explore how political, social, and economic factors influence legislation, and how these laws reflect broader societal attitudes and values.

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Early November

Workshop on Advocacy Actions and Support Strategies

This workshop will focus on practical advocacy skills and strategies for supporting students with noncitizen status. Participants will learn how to engage with policymakers, organize community efforts, and effectively communicate their message. The session will include role-playing exercises and the development of action plans for advocacy.

Early December

Final Session on Advocacy and Future Planning

In the concluding session, a seasoned advocate will share insights on effective advocacy methods and success stories. Participants will discuss the future of GRACIAS's advocacy efforts and brainstorm ideas for sustaining and expanding the impact of their work. The cohort will finalize the "Advocacy Document," summarizing their learning and proposed actions, and celebrate their achievements with an end-of-year gathering.

Our Vision

We hope that our Educational Advocacy initiative will lead to the permanent formation of an advocacy group at GRACIAS, driven by the students involved in this program.

By doing so, this specialized group will continue to focus on education advocacy to amplify the voices and concerns of those they represent in our community.

GRACIAS for supporting our vision!