Empowering California Community College Students
California Community Colleges Student Ambassador Program's Transformative Impact on One Million Lives.
The Foundation for California Community Colleges (FoundationCCC) Student Ambassador Program is proudly transforming students' lives through its cultivation of student leaders in peer-to-peer outreach programs that connect thousands of students with vital resources. The program provides students with paid opportunities to flourish as both campus and community leaders, actively addressing equity gaps and leveraging their depth of skills to drive lasting change.
In collaboration with participating colleges, FoundationCCC trains student ambassadors on effective peer-to-peer outreach strategies and basic needs resources, such as CalFresh, Crisis Text Line, California’s Low Cost Auto Insurance, low-cost technology resources, and more. Often students are unaware of the resources available to them and the stigma attached to public benefits and mental health resources discourages them from participating. With the provided outreach materials, ongoing coaching and support, and professional development opportunities from FoundationCCC, student ambassadors serve as leaders in building awareness, reducing stigma, and increasing access to vital resources to their on-campus peers. Because trusted recommendations come from people we know, the Student Ambassador Program utilizes the peer-to-peer outreach model to make it easier for students to understand the resources that are available which allows them to focus on their academic journey rather than where their next meal will come from. Student ambassadors engage in various outreach activities, including one-on-one engagement, class presentations, webinars, partnering with student clubs and organizations, and utilizing the power of social media to raise awareness of resources for students.
The program has reached a huge milestone this year, by making over one million connections with students thanks to dedicated student ambassadors who are committed to helping their peers access crucial resources that support their success. FoundationCCC has operated student ambassador programs that utilize the peer-to-peer outreach model since 2016 and has grown in its reach, focus, and in the number of student ambassadors that participate every year. As the program continues to grow, FoundationCCC welcomes new partners who want to invest in the power of student leadership and ensure all students have the resources they need to thrive in their personal, professional, and academic journeys.
Inspiring Testimonials Illuminate The Lasting Impact
The inspiring perspectives shared by the student ambassadors themselves provide a deeper understanding of the program's impact. Their testimonials reveal the significant difference the program has made in their lives, as well as in the lives of their peers.
Adela G. from Riverside Community College says, " "Being an Ambassador isn't just about meeting quotas, it's providing resources to students. It's also about creating a foundation for students to be more comfortable with accepting help."
On the significance of the program: "This program matters because there are so many people out there that are in desperate need of help but not knowing where to turn."
Susan Wong from San Diego Mesa College shares why the program matters: "This program truly matters because it gives those college students that may not be eligible for financial assistance i.e. Pell Grant the support and opportunity to help support and fund their way throughout college."
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Jadyn S. from Cabrillo College explains how being an ambassador has prepared her for a career in social work:
"Being an ambassador is really important to me because, as someone who wants to go into social work, being an ambassador feels like the first step in getting there."
On the importance of accessibility and reducing stigma: "Every time a student looks at a resource flier or social media post, listens to a presentation, or engages with an outreach event, a new normal, in which people feel comfortable asking for help when they need it, is being created."
These powerful testimonials illustrate how the California Community College Student Ambassador Program is making a meaningful difference in the lives of students by providing essential resources, fostering community, and promoting a supportive environment. Through the work of these inspiring student ambassadors, the program continues to help thousands of students achieve success and overcome challenges in their educational journey.
The Student Ambassador Program is not just a beneficial program for students, but also a crucial component for addressing the basic needs outreach for college staff.
One exceptional individual who has played a pivotal role in this program is Johana Aleman, who has been serving as an on-campus advisor at San Diego Mesa College since 2021. In this capacity, Aleman has provided customized support for the ambassadors, helping them to excel in their role.
Aleman underscores the importance of partnering with the FoundationCCC around the Student Ambassador Program, as she notes, "Basic Needs Centers are relatively new to the CA Community College System, while they are growing quickly as far as services provided to students, they are short of staff to support all the program needs. For San Diego Mesa College, the peer-to-peer outreach has allowed us to get information out to students at events that we wouldn't otherwise be able to staff."
The CCC Student Ambassador Program exemplifies the transformative power of peer-to-peer outreach in positively impacting students' lives and has revolutionized the way in which vital information is disseminated, thus improving the overall educational experience of students.
The program has successfully made over one million connections with students, providing them with essential resources and support to achieve their dreams and create a lasting impact in their communities.
If you're interested in supporting the California Community College Student Ambassador Program or learning more about it, please connect with us at ambassador@foundationccc.org or visit our website.
Life long learner and change agent, starting with me!
1yGreat program!