AYC partners with The Dream Allies Network, a vast grassroots network of more than 100 Los Angeles and Alhambra public school teachers, dozens of union activists, over 30 community-based organizations, local elected officials, and hundreds of students, parents, and community members. This collaborative collective facilitates Dream Centers for undocumented, immigrant, and marginalized youth in the Alhambra and Lancaster Unified School Districts.

The Dream Centers served in Alhambra Unified include Alhambra High School, San Gabriel High School, and Mark Keppel High School. The schools host substance abuse and prevention education work, college and career support, leadership training, and community-building activities for immigrant students, English learners, and LGBTQ+ youth and their allies. The Centers continue lunch time and afterschool programming and academic support services including mentoring and fostering relationships that positively impact campus culture. During the school year, Dream Centers host activities and events related to relevant awareness months and cultural celebrations. For example, BIPOC students organize programming for their campuses including Coming Out of the Shadows, which is a week for immigrant students to share their stories and cultures through art, writing, and food. Students also engage in civic engagement activities including meetings with policy makers, community education events, and the creation of culturally and linguistically appropriate materials to advance the needs of immigrant youth and families using Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) methods.

In Lancaster, the YPLD program is designed for Anti-hate where students can get involved and become advocates and leaders among their peers in the community, and is currently provided at Piute Middle School on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Warriors Dream Center is a space created by students, teachers, parents, and guardians to build community, strength, and acceptance through sharing struggles, victories, and history. The mission is to support the students in their academic, social, emotional, and financial needs. Warriors Dream Center is a safe space that supports undocumented immigrants, students of color, and their allies with resources. It promotes wellness and healthy human connections. It provides food, a hygiene pantry, academic support, student leadership, social justice advocacy, and student and family support.

For more information, contact Michael Sanders, YPLD Program Manager, at michael.sanders@aycla.org.