The San Diego Community College District received a $3.4 million check at a Mesa College press conference on March 6. 

It was presented to the district by members of San Diego’s congressional delegation including Rep. Sara Jacobs, Rep. Scott Peters and Rep. Juan Vargas. 

The check, funded by the U.S. Congress, was approved in December 2022. It will be used to fund three projects for LGBTQ students, Dreamers and former foster youth.

The $1.2 million will be used to hire a regional coordinator to act as a liaison for many agencies providing services for the LGBTQ community. The money will also fund an annual and weekly leadership program for LGBTQ students.

“We are talking about kids,” Rep. Jacobs said at the news conference. “They should feel free, safe, and celebrated for being who they are. That’s why these LGBTQ+ pride centers are so important.” 

Another $1.2 million will fund a new expanded Dreamer Resources Center to serve undocumented students. They will also use the funds to support an annual undocumented student conference, according to Rep. Juan Vargas.

“This will demonstrate to the college community that the campuses are welcoming and safe,” Vargas said.

The funds will also be used to expand services at the San Diego College of Continuing Education for students who have aged out of foster care. It will fund the Gateway to College and Career Program which offers learning opportunities, internships and job training to former foster youth. 

Learn more about the resources available on each campus for LGBTQ students, Dreamers and former foster youth by visiting the links below.

LGBTQ+ students:

• City College
• Mesa College
• Miramar College

Dreamers/undocumented students:

• City College
• Mesa College
• Miramar College

Former foster youth students:

• City College
• Mesa College
• Miramar College

Updated, March 28: Story updated to include CTTV video.