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SASS Recipients Earn Additional Scholarships
In addition to providing SASS recipients with funds for books and transportation, we also help students apply for additional scholarships available to Caņada students. We are pleased to report that three SASS recipients have received additional scholarships for the 2013-14 school year. (Two of these recipients, Amado Flores and Armando Gomez, were student speakers at our Jose Antonio Vargas event.) SASS recipients and the scholarships they received include:
Jose Manuel Bonilla: Robert Stiff Scholarship
Amado Flores: League of California Cities Latino Caucus Scholarship, Caņada Math Club Scholarship
Armando Gomez: Cargill Scholarship Award
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Please help us support the growing number of students who deserve to attend community college or earn a GED!
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You're Invited...
Would you like to get to know some SASS recipients? We're having a SASS picnic on Sunday, August 4th at Stafford Park in Redwood City. Please email Elizabeth Weal
if you'd like more information or if you'd like to work with us on other SASS activities.
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What is the immigration status of today's foreign-born population? In 2011 40.4 million foreign-born people resided in the United States. Of these, 15.5 million were naturalized U.S. citizens, 13.1 million were legal permanent residents, and 11.1 million were undocumented immigrants.
How has the number of undocumented immigrants changed over the years? The growth of the undocumented immigrant population has slowed in recent years.
In 2000 there were an estimated 8.4 million undocumented persons residing in the United States. This population peaked in 2007 at 12 million, but had decreased to 11.1 million by 2011.
When did most immigrants come to the US? Two in three immigrants living in the United States arrived before 2000. Of the foreign-born population living in the United States in 2011, 38 percent arrived before 1990 and 27 percent arrived between 1990 and 1999.
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Jose Antonio Vargas Captivates Audience at SASS Fund-Raiser
On April 7, immigration rights activist Jose Antonio Vargas shared personal stories as well as insights about immigration reform to a spirited audience of more than 250 students, educators, and community members who gathered at Sequoia High School's Carrington Hall for SASS's annual fund-raiser. All proceeds from the event went to scholarships for SASS recipients.  Vargas, who was interviewed by SASS President Elizabeth Weal, spoke on a variety of topics including his reaction to learning, at the age of 16, that he was undocumented; why he came out when he did; and common misconceptions about immigrants and immigration that he has gleaned while crisscrossing the country speaking about immigration reform. Vargas struck a chord with audience members from a broad cross-section of the community. Mauricio Reinosa, an  immigrant from El Salvador, reported that he was so inspired by Vargas that he is now meeting with community college counselors about how to complete his studies in engineering. Ana Sifontes, another immigrant from El Salvador who attended the event, plans to return to school to get her GED. Jenny Castello, an ESL professor at Caņada College, said that Vargas served as a reminder to the many undocumented students in the audience that a successful future is within their grasp. "He's a fantastic role model," Castello said. "Many of these students have difficult lives. Seeing someone like Vargas definitely gives them hope."  Prior to Vargas's appearance, three SASS recipients (Armando Gomez, Yadira Magana, and Amado Flores) spoke about their experiences. To see a video of the Vargas event, check out the |
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Academic Honors Bestowed on SASS Recipients
Transitioning from adult school to community college can be a daunting task, but two first-semester SASS recipients, Omar Martinez and Juan Angel, have proven that they're more than up to the challenge. Both received Academic Excellence Awards from Caņada College's English Institute for their work spring semester. The award is given to the top student in each of Canņada's ESL classes. Both Martinez and Angel were honored for their performance in Grammar and Writing II.
 During spring semester, Martinez, 33, took a full course load that included two five-credit ESL classes as well as classes in math, computer applications, and human services. His goal is to earn a certificate in human services administration.
 Angel, 32,injured his back while working as a stone mason. Unable to return to work, he started taking ESL classes, first at Sequoia Adult School and then at Caņada College. His plan is to earn a certificate in computer technology.
Both students mentioned the critical role their SASS scholarship has played in their ability to succeed in school. "When I see the prices of books--$125 for my math book and $85 for my computer applications book-- I think, 'Thanks to God I have that scholarship'." Martinez says. "Now I can put all of my attention on school and my family."
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