On Campus Resources
The following resources already exist at Cuesta for undocumented students.
* = Se Habla Espanol | SLO = San Luis Obispo Campus | NC = North County Campus
Cuesta College and UFW Foundation are partnering to provide free immigration legal
services to ALL students, faculty, and staff.
Para español haga clic aquí
Appointments available every 3rd Tuesday, 1st and 4th Wednesday and 2nd Friday of the Month.
Services Include: General Consultations, DACA, U-Visas, Special Immigrant Juvenile Visas, Family Petitions, Naturalization (Citizenship), Family Petitions, FBI and background checks, and MORE.
Make an appointment for a free consultation and learn about your eligibility options!
If you are having problems making appointments, you may call UFW Foundation at (805) 246- 3867 or email Estella Vazquez.
*Due to COVID-19, all appointments and services will be provided remotely, via Zoom and phone, until further notice. If you cannot secure a confidential space to speak with the UFW Foundation, please email Estella Vazquez for assistance.
Cuesta has emergency funding available to help undocumented and mixed status students. Funding can be utilized to cover emergency costs due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or child care.
Apply Now!
For questions contact Estella Vazquez at evazquez@cuesta.edu
Despite campus being closed, counselors are available to help you with your academic goals. Our counselors are here to help you succeed at Cuesta!
Academic Counselor are here to help with:
-
Comprehensive Student Education Plan (CSEP) - Career exploration & plan to transfer to a 4-year college
Make an appointment today to recieve help with your academic goals!
Visit their Zoom Lobby for live help!
*Due to COVID-19, all appointments and services will be virtual via Zoom.
Have questions about your Financial Aid? Get help today!
- California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
- California College Promise Grant (CCPG) (previously BOGW)
- Cuesta Promise Scholarships
- Immigrant's Rising Scholarship List
- MALDEF Scholarship Resource
- AB540/ AB2000/ SB68 (in-state tuition eligibility)
- and much more...
*Due to COVID-19, all appointments and services will be virtual via Zoom.
You can now make an appointment to meet with a Financial Aid specialist over Zoom!
Visit their Zoom Lobbies for live help!
- Community Health Centers of the Central Coast offers primary care, dental and chiropractic care, optometry and behavioral health services and more for low cost or sliding scale fees.
- Noor Clinic provides free medical, eye, dental and specialty care for uninsured adults regardless of race, ethnicity, immigration, religion or socioeconomic status.
- Planned Parenthood provides reproductive health carefor low or no cost.
- The Center provides reproductive health carefor low or no cost. The Center is provides services at Cuesta Health Center every Thursday from 9am-2pm.
- MediCal provides health services to immigrants who meets all eligibility requirements, but is not in a satisfactory immigration status for full scope Medi-Cal is entitled to limited health services. These services include the MediCal breast and cervical cancer program, emergency hospital and long term care, kidney dialysis care, and pregnancy services.
- For more resources, visit the Cuesta Student Health Center.
- Immigrants Rising’s Mental Health Connector provides undocumented young people with psychological support, allowing you to access your strengths and resiliency in order to achieve your personal goals and healing.
- Community Counseling Center provides short-term, low-cost, professional counseling for individuals, couples and families who would not otherwise be able to afford it. Most clients have no insurance and a low to moderate income.
- Transitions Mental Health has numerous services for community members. Check out their monthly calendars to see what is happening at their wellness centers: Wellness Calendars.
- RISE serves both victims of intimate partner violence and sexual assault/abuse and their loved ones. RISE provides comprehensive programs, services and resources to the community.
- Check more Mental Health resources here.
Join a club or start your own club! Become a leader and make a difference!
Dreamers United
To promote & celebrate diversity & ensure undocumented student success
Estella Vazquez - Advisor | evazquez@cuesta.edu | (805) 592-9582
Jannet Rios Leon - Co-Advisor | jannet_riosleon@cuesta.edu | (805) 592-9032
Latino Leadership Network
To increase the participation of Latinos in leadership roles & higher education
Dee Limon - Advisor | dlimon@cuesta.edu | (805) 592-9987
Alejandra Aguirre - Co Advisor| alejandra_aguirre@cuesta.edu | (805) 592-9517
MEChA
To advance educational attainment of Chicano/a, Latinx students and promote leadership
& social change
Janet Florez - Advisor | jflorez@cuesta.edu |(805) 592-9215
Alicia Paniagua - Co-Advisor | alicia_paniagua@cuesta.edu | SLO (805) 546-3941
Cuesta has a variety of activities and clubs to help you get involved! For more questions please contact Dr. Anthony Gutierrez.
Below you will find a list of individuals who work closely with the Monarch Dream Center to ensure that undocumented students at Cuesta College have the support they need to succeed.
CaFE Centers
Provide comprehensive support, services, resources to CalWORKs, foster youth, & EOPS/CARE
students
April McGee- CaFe Centers Technician | amcgee@cuesta.edu|(805) 592-9987
Diane "Dee" Limon - Specialist | dlimon@cuesta.edu| (805) 592-9493
Career Connections
Provide support in the job search process and assist with resumes, cover letters and
job interviews
Shamarah Giannetto| shamarah_giannetto@cuesta.edu| (805) 592-9758
Kimberly Espino | kimberly_espino@cuesta.edu
Continuing Education: ESL, GED, Emeritus, NCTE
Prepares students for transition to post-secondary education, the workforce, and promotes
lifelong learning through noncredit courses
Alicia Paniagua - Coordinator | alicia_paniagua@cuesta.edu | (805) 546-3941
Counseling (Academic Advising)
Assists you in creating a Comprehensive Student Education Plan (CSEP) which serves
as a guide while you explore your major, career and future goals such as advancing
in your current and future career and/ or desire to transfer to a four-year college.
Glenda Moscoso - Academic Counselor | gmoscoso@cuesta.edu | (805) 592- 9333
Disabled Student Programs & Services (DSPS)
Provides support and guidance to those who seek extra academic support due to their
learning disability
Rolando Zapata- Academic Counselor| rolando_zapata@cuesta.edu| SLO (805) 592-9486
Financial Aid
Offers support in understanding your options in paying for classes such as the CA
Dream Act, FAFSA, the Cuesta Promise and scholarships.
Christina Sholars- Financial Aid Specialist| christina_sholars@cuesta.edu| (805) 592-9841
Martha Davis- Financial Aid Specialist| madavis@cuesta.edu| 805- 592-9449
Alejandra Aguirre- Financial Aid Specialist | alejandra_aguirre@cuesta.edu | (805) 592-9517
Student Health Services
Offers free and confidential physical and mental health services
Leah Brandt- Registered Nursing (Spanish/English speaker| leah_brandt@cuesta.edu
Rocio Anaya- Therapist (Spanish/English speaker| rocio_anaya@cuesta.edu
Andrea Echeverri- Health Program Specialist (Spanish- English speaker)| andrea_echeverribeta@cuesta.edu |SLO (805) 546-3171
Student Life
ASCC- Student Government| The Cultural Center| Student Clubs and Organizations
Dr. Anthony Gutierrez - Student Life and Leadership |agutierr@cuesta.edu | (805) 546-3289
Ali Phelps- Student Life and Leadership | allison_phelps1@cuesta.edu| (805) 592-9894
Student Success Centers (Free Tutoring)
Academic assistance through free drop-in tutoring, writing center, & workshops and
coaching
Jannet Rios Leon- Bilingual Academic Success Coach| jannet_riosleon@cuesta.edu| Office: (805) 592-9032 | Cell: (805) 440-8721
Siboney Guardado- Assistant Director of Student Success Centers| SLO (805) 592-9574| siboney_guardado@cuesta.edu
Cuesta College and UFW Foundation are partnering to provide free immigration legal
services to ALL students, faculty, and staff.
Para español haga clic aquí
Appointments available every 3rd Tuesday, 1st and 4th Wednesday and 2nd Friday of the Month.
Services Include: General Consultations, DACA, U-Visas, Special Immigrant Juvenile Visas, Family Petitions, Naturalization (Citizenship), Family Petitions, FBI and background checks, and MORE.
Make an appointment for a free consultation and learn about your eligibility options!
If you are having problems making appointments, you may call UFW Foundation at (805) 246- 3867 or email Estella Vazquez.
*Due to COVID-19, all appointments and services will be provided remotely, via Zoom and phone, until further notice. If you cannot secure a confidential space to speak with the UFW Foundation, please email Estella Vazquez for assistance.
Cuesta has emergency funding available to help undocumented and mixed status students. Funding can be utilized to cover emergency costs due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or child care.
Apply Now!
For questions contact Estella Vazquez at evazquez@cuesta.edu
Despite campus being closed, counselors are available to help you with your academic goals. Our counselors are here to help you succeed at Cuesta!
Academic Counselor are here to help with:
-
Comprehensive Student Education Plan (CSEP) - Career exploration & plan to transfer to a 4-year college
Make an appointment today to recieve help with your academic goals!
Visit their Zoom Lobby for live help!
*Due to COVID-19, all appointments and services will be virtual via Zoom.
Have questions about your Financial Aid? Get help today!
- California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
- California College Promise Grant (CCPG) (previously BOGW)
- Cuesta Promise Scholarships
- Immigrant's Rising Scholarship List
- MALDEF Scholarship Resource
- AB540/ AB2000/ SB68 (in-state tuition eligibility)
- and much more...
*Due to COVID-19, all appointments and services will be virtual via Zoom.
You can now make an appointment to meet with a Financial Aid specialist over Zoom!
Visit their Zoom Lobbies for live help!
- Community Health Centers of the Central Coast offers primary care, dental and chiropractic care, optometry and behavioral health services and more for low cost or sliding scale fees.
- Noor Clinic provides free medical, eye, dental and specialty care for uninsured adults regardless of race, ethnicity, immigration, religion or socioeconomic status.
- Planned Parenthood provides reproductive health carefor low or no cost.
- The Center provides reproductive health carefor low or no cost. The Center is provides services at Cuesta Health Center every Thursday from 9am-2pm.
- MediCal provides health services to immigrants who meets all eligibility requirements, but is not in a satisfactory immigration status for full scope Medi-Cal is entitled to limited health services. These services include the MediCal breast and cervical cancer program, emergency hospital and long term care, kidney dialysis care, and pregnancy services.
- For more resources, visit the Cuesta Student Health Center.
- Immigrants Rising’s Mental Health Connector provides undocumented young people with psychological support, allowing you to access your strengths and resiliency in order to achieve your personal goals and healing.
- Community Counseling Center provides short-term, low-cost, professional counseling for individuals, couples and families who would not otherwise be able to afford it. Most clients have no insurance and a low to moderate income.
- Transitions Mental Health has numerous services for community members. Check out their monthly calendars to see what is happening at their wellness centers: Wellness Calendars.
- RISE serves both victims of intimate partner violence and sexual assault/abuse and their loved ones. RISE provides comprehensive programs, services and resources to the community.
- Check more Mental Health resources here.
Join a club or start your own club! Become a leader and make a difference!
Dreamers United
To promote & celebrate diversity & ensure undocumented student success
Estella Vazquez - Advisor | evazquez@cuesta.edu | (805) 592-9582
Jannet Rios Leon - Co-Advisor | jannet_riosleon@cuesta.edu | (805) 592-9032
Latino Leadership Network
To increase the participation of Latinos in leadership roles & higher education
Dee Limon - Advisor | dlimon@cuesta.edu | (805) 592-9987
Alejandra Aguirre - Co Advisor| alejandra_aguirre@cuesta.edu | (805) 592-9517
MEChA
To advance educational attainment of Chicano/a, Latinx students and promote leadership
& social change
Janet Florez - Advisor | jflorez@cuesta.edu |(805) 592-9215
Alicia Paniagua - Co-Advisor | alicia_paniagua@cuesta.edu | SLO (805) 546-3941
Cuesta has a variety of activities and clubs to help you get involved! For more questions please contact Dr. Anthony Gutierrez.
Below you will find a list of individuals who work closely with the Monarch Dream Center to ensure that undocumented students at Cuesta College have the support they need to succeed.
CaFE Centers
Provide comprehensive support, services, resources to CalWORKs, foster youth, & EOPS/CARE
students
April McGee- CaFe Centers Technician | amcgee@cuesta.edu|(805) 592-9987
Diane "Dee" Limon - Specialist | dlimon@cuesta.edu| (805) 592-9493
Career Connections
Provide support in the job search process and assist with resumes, cover letters and
job interviews
Shamarah Giannetto| shamarah_giannetto@cuesta.edu| (805) 592-9758
Kimberly Espino | kimberly_espino@cuesta.edu
Continuing Education: ESL, GED, Emeritus, NCTE
Prepares students for transition to post-secondary education, the workforce, and promotes
lifelong learning through noncredit courses
Alicia Paniagua - Coordinator | alicia_paniagua@cuesta.edu | (805) 546-3941
Counseling (Academic Advising)
Assists you in creating a Comprehensive Student Education Plan (CSEP) which serves
as a guide while you explore your major, career and future goals such as advancing
in your current and future career and/ or desire to transfer to a four-year college.
Glenda Moscoso - Academic Counselor | gmoscoso@cuesta.edu | (805) 592- 9333
Disabled Student Programs & Services (DSPS)
Provides support and guidance to those who seek extra academic support due to their
learning disability
Rolando Zapata- Academic Counselor| rolando_zapata@cuesta.edu| SLO (805) 592-9486
Financial Aid
Offers support in understanding your options in paying for classes such as the CA
Dream Act, FAFSA, the Cuesta Promise and scholarships.
Christina Sholars- Financial Aid Specialist| christina_sholars@cuesta.edu| (805) 592-9841
Martha Davis- Financial Aid Specialist| madavis@cuesta.edu| 805- 592-9449
Alejandra Aguirre- Financial Aid Specialist | alejandra_aguirre@cuesta.edu | (805) 592-9517
Student Health Services
Offers free and confidential physical and mental health services
Leah Brandt- Registered Nursing (Spanish/English speaker| leah_brandt@cuesta.edu
Rocio Anaya- Therapist (Spanish/English speaker| rocio_anaya@cuesta.edu
Andrea Echeverri- Health Program Specialist (Spanish- English speaker)| andrea_echeverribeta@cuesta.edu |SLO (805) 546-3171
Student Life
ASCC- Student Government| The Cultural Center| Student Clubs and Organizations
Dr. Anthony Gutierrez - Student Life and Leadership |agutierr@cuesta.edu | (805) 546-3289
Ali Phelps- Student Life and Leadership | allison_phelps1@cuesta.edu| (805) 592-9894
Student Success Centers (Free Tutoring)
Academic assistance through free drop-in tutoring, writing center, & workshops and
coaching
Jannet Rios Leon- Bilingual Academic Success Coach| jannet_riosleon@cuesta.edu| Office: (805) 592-9032 | Cell: (805) 440-8721
Siboney Guardado- Assistant Director of Student Success Centers| SLO (805) 592-9574| siboney_guardado@cuesta.edu
- California Community Colleges Chancellor's list of resources for undocumented students.
- "Your Health, Your Future: Making DACA Work For You in the Golden State". A guide to the public benefits available to recipients of deferred action for childhood arrivals in California.
-
Supporting & Protecting Undocumented Students. A helpful resource filled with tips for allies and undocumented students.
-
Foundation for California Community Colleges Dreamers project that seeks to lay the groundwork for a longer-term program to implement strategies that will meet undocumented students’ needs.
- Cuesta Financial AID
- The California Dream Act allows students who are AB 540 eligible to apply for certain financial aid programs in the state of California.
- FAFSA, CADAA or Chafee Grant application
- Immigrants Rising’s virtual Wellness Gatherings help undocumented young people stay grounded and connected to one another.
- What health care and health services are provided for undocumented and international
students?
Cuesta Health Services when undocumented and international Cuesta students enroll in classes and pay the health fee they receive free and confidential physical health services and mental health therapy here at the Health Center.* The Health Services Program is guided by the California Code of Regulations (Title 5) 54702, Education Code Section 76401, Health Services policy 5200, and AP 5200. Though non-credit students do not pay the health fee, they may voluntarily pay the fee and access the services by visiting the cashier. - Community Health Centers of the Central Coast offers primary care, dental and chiropractic care, optometry and behavioral health services and more for low cost or sliding scale fees.
- Noor Clinic provides free medical, eye, dental and specialty care for uninsured adults regardless of race, ethnicity, immigration, religion or socioeconomic status.
- Planned Parenthood provides reproductive health carefor low or no cost.
- The Center provides reproductive health carefor low or no cost. The Center is provides services at Cuesta Health Center every Thursday from 9am-2pm.
- MediCal an immigrant who meets all eligibility requirements, but is not in a satisfactory immigration status for full scope Medi-Cal is entitled to limited health services. These services include the MediCal breast and cervical cancer program, emergency hospital and long term care, kidney dialysis care, and pregnancy services.
- Tele-ER services are available with local doctors through Tenet Health by calling (805) 546-7990.
Initial call is free of charge and they accept most insurance, including Medi-Cal.
This is an excellent opportunity if you are unsure if you need emergency services.
This option allows anyone to talk to a board-certified Emergency Room physician 24
hours a day, seven days a week from the comfort of your home. Many of their doctors
can now "see" you online, and it’s easy to make an appointment. All you need is a
smartphone, tablet or computer.
- Click here for more health resources
- Immigrants Rising’s Mental Health Connector provides undocumented young people with psychological support, allowing you to access your strengths and resiliency in order to achieve your personal goals and healing.
- Community Counseling Center provides short-term, low-cost, professional counseling for individuals, couples and families who would not otherwise be able to afford it. Most clients have no insurance and a low to moderate income.
- Transitions Mental Health has numerous services for community members. Check out their monthly calendars to see what is happening at their wellness centers: Wellness Calendars
- RISE serves both victims of intimate partner violence and sexual assault/abuse and their loved ones. RISE provides comprehensive programs, services and resources to the community.
- HelpAdvisor: Las disparidades raciales en el tratamiento de la salud mental: Investigación y recursos
- Hispanic American Mental Health Disparities Report
- Check more Mental Health resources here
Mental health & self-care
- Blog post on self-care tips for Asian Americans during COVID pandemic
- Headspace has some free resources for all and is free for providers with NPI numbers in 2020
- Active online guide of free meditation resources
- Liberate Meditation (meditation app by and for POCs)
- Resources to support health providers’ mental health from UCSF
- Reminder of a critical examination of the use of mindfulness in western mental health
- Psychology Today blog post: Radical healing in times of fear and uncertainty
- NAMI blog posts: Mental health coping strategies
Responding to racism and xenophobia
- Understanding Racism and Its Related Stress Can Help People of Color Cope with Negative Effects by past AAPA President Dr. Karen Suyemoto and colleagues
- Report and document incidents of hate crimes against AAPIs
- Surviving Racism Amidst COVID-19 - by Yin J. Li
- NYTimes article, How to respond to microaggressions - by Hahna Yoon
- Guide to responding to microaggressions - by Dr. Kevin Nadal
- Disarming Racisim from A Psychological Perspective
All of our therapists and nurses have received training in assisting the LGBTQIA+ populations. We are actively involved in continue training to make sure the services we provide are LGBTQIA + affirming.
A large portion of the clients we see are exploring the coming out process or needed a safe place to talk about their gender and/or sexual identity. We welcome these populations and have improved our intake forms to include preferred pronouns, Gender and Sexual identity.
Click here to learn more about our services at the Student Health Center
