UCLA

By drawing on the lived experiences of eight undocumented community college students, this study demonstrates that Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) are a vital part of the post-secondary education process. These organizations not only recognize undocumented students’ assets, but they use asset-based approaches to organize and mobilize these students’ community cultural wealth (CCW) in order to create agents of change at the community-college level. The study yields three particular findings: CBOs (a) cultivate a safe, empowering space through the exchange of knowledge between students, (b) embrace cultural capital and generate wealth as a community, and (c) promote resources for undocumented student access and opportunity. The study also provides research, policy, and practical tools for researchers, educators, and community members, so they can further advocate on behalf of the undocumented student population.