Representatives Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Juan Vargas (CA-52), and Scott Peters (CA-50) joined San Diego Community College District Chancellor Carlos Cortez, Mesa College President Ashanti Hands, and student and community leaders today at Mesa College to celebrate $3.4 million in federal funding for the San Diego Community College District. 

The lawmakers secured funds for three projects at the San Diego Community College District including:

• Rep. Jacobs secured $1.2 million to expand the LGBTQ+ Pride Centers on each of San Diego Community College District’s four campuses, and scale up their Youth Leadership Academy and Pride Youth Collective programs, and

• Rep. Peters secured $1 million for an initiative to expand service at the San Diego College of Continuing Education to youths who have recently aged out of the foster care system, and

• Rep. Vargas secured $1.2 million for new and expanded Dreamer Resource Centers serving undocumented students. 

Download Photos of the Press Conference Here

“LGBTQ+ youth should be focused on living their lives, but instead many are dealing with mental health issues resulting from the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, policies, and violence,” said Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, Vice-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus and Co-Chair of the Transgender Equality Taskforce. “That’s why I was so proud to secure $1.2 million to expand the Pride Centers on each of San Diego Community College District’s four campuses and to scale up their Youth Leadership Academy and Pride Youth Collective programs. This funding will expand spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and allies to freely and safely be themselves, and strengthen programs that create community and teach advocacy skills.”

“Community colleges are an integral part of our region’s educational landscape,” said Rep. Scott Peters. “It’s my job to fight for funding that supports SDCCD’s mission to uplift generations of students, especially those aged out of foster care who enter a new world of opportunity and challenges. I look forward to seeing the success of the Gateway to College and Career Program for years to come.”

“Dreamers and undocumented students deserve a fair shot at the American Dream like everyone else, and the great equalizer is a high-quality education,” said Congressman Juan Vargas. “I championed these federal funds in Congress because I knew it would benefit local students right here at home. These Dreamer Resource Centers have the potential to positively benefit thousands of students by offering critical support and financial aid. These are the great things we can accomplish when we put people over politics.” 

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