Rosa M. García Testifies Before CA Senate Committee
CLP-CYLC Executive Director Rosa M. García testifies before the California Senate Budget and Fiscal Review
Learn More About CYLC Immigration Career Pathways
Providing critical supports to underserved immigrant communities
CYLC is working to create two new community change career pathways in the area of immigration. CYLC has begun partnering with state agencies, national and local partners, selected community colleges, community-based immigration legal services providers, and language justice advocates/interpreter training providers to create career pathways in community-based immigration legal services and language justice/interpreter training.
These career pathways will expand the number of well-trained paralegals, legal assistants, qualified interpreters, and nonprofit leaders who are prepared to serve immigrant communities.
What is the CLINIC-CYLC Community-Based Immigration Legal Services Pathway Fellowship?
California Youth Leadership Corps (CYLC) has partnered with the Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc. (CLINIC Inc.) selected community colleges, and Department of Justice-recognized community-based immigration legal services organizations to create a new community change learn-and-earn career pathway in community-based immigration legal services. This Community-Based Immigration Legal Services Pathway Fellowship will expand the number of well-trained advocates, practitioners, paralegals, legal assistants, and nonprofit leaders in underserved immigrant communities. Fellows who participate will be awarded up to $10,000 in stipend and awarded a $5,000 scholarship.
The application for our Fall 2024 cohort of fellows opens on September 26, 2024, and closes on October 30, 2024.
Get to know some our Fall 2024 Student Fellows!
Los Angeles Mission College
Placement: YMCA of Los Angeles
School: Los Angeles Mission College
Placement: YMCA of Los Angeles
Hello my name is Kayla Larios, I am a first gen student who just finished her first year at LAMC. I am studying to be a teacher, and I currently volunteer at an elementary school. I love working with kids. On my own time I enjoy working out and going to the beach with my friends.
San Bernardino Valley College Placement: Pomona Economic Opportunity Center
School: San Bernardino Valley College
Placement: Catholic Charities of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties
My name is Faviola Villanueva and I am currently enrolled in my 2nd semester at Valley college after a very long time of being out of school. First generation to attend college & hopefully graduate from a Mexican family. I’m a business administration major and would like to work in the near future in the Human Resources department and learn all there is to help the working class.
Fun fact I’m obsessed with Penguins and I collect everything I can that is related to them.
Los Angeles Mission College
Placement: International Rescue Committee
School: Los Angeles Mission College
Placement: International Rescue Committee
Growing up as a first-generation Mexican-American, I have always understood the profound importance of community and allyship. Raised by immigrant parents and surrounded by undocumented family members, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by marginalized communities. These experiences instilled in me a deep sense of commitment to advocating for and supporting those who often go unheard. I am embarking on an exciting educational journey, driven by a passion for making a difference. While the exact path of this journey is still unfolding, one thing remains clear: I am dedicated to standing with and for my community.
I look forward to leveraging my education and the skills I will learn to contribute meaningfully to the communities I hold dear. I am ready to embrace the opportunities ahead, eager to learn, grow, and advocate for a more inclusive future.
Los Angeles Mission College
Placement: International Rescue Committee
School: Los Angeles Mission College
Placement: International Rescue Committee
My name is Valeria Calderon Alvarez, and I am currently enrolled in LAMC to pursue my associate degree and then transfer to CSUN to obtain My MSW. My passion is being able to help others, growing and learning throughout the process of being a first-generation student, and being part of leadership groups.
San Bernardino Valley College
Placement: Catholic Charities of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties
School: San Bernardino Valley College
Placement: Pomona Economic Opportunity Center
Since I was a child standing on picket lines for civil rights with my parents, I have had a passion for social and restorative justice, embracing what I believed from the Declaration of Independence as I wrote letters to President John F. Kennedy:
”We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” Preamble to the Declaration of Independence
Although, I am no longer a child, I still believe that it is beneficial to fight for freedom and equality. As a Paralegal, I have demonstrated through strategic plans and truth, the ability to directly influence decision makers and cultivate relationships that continue to make policy, while empowering people toward growth and change in our communities. My passion for people has equipped me for paid and volunteer exploits.
Since managing a shelter in Watts for homeless families in 1982, I have informed the nation’s most powerful about human issues that led me to paths of personal leadership as an Advocate for Justice. In addition to fundraisers, I created and implemented a Proclamation for the Homeless supported and signed by Mayor Tom Bradley (Los Angeles), Mayor Walter Tucker (Compton), and Los Angeles County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn, which informed State and Federal Legislators and helped to enlist funding and subsequently led to networking with United Way’s Infoline which facilitated U.S. Housing and Urban Development, Catholic Charities, Lutheran Services, and Valley Shelters.
My efforts at an international Public Relations firm landed an invitation to the Academy Awards, which then acted as a springboard to create a PR Consultant and Production Group, becoming the Producer for the first televised Miss Latina California Pageant for Grupo Televisa in 1991.
In 1992, I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Chapman University as a Paralegal, and utilized my love for Constitutional Law as a Legislative Advocate and Liaison, successfully communicating with Municipal, State and Federal entities, on both sides of the Congressional Aisle—Democrats and Republications—serving on the Round Tables for the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) for Native American Sovereign Nations pursuing the Constitutional Treaties made and promised by the United States for land ownership and rights, economic development, and education. Additionally important was supporting the California and National Hispanic Caucus, and NAACP.
Whether traveling throughout California or the U.S., I was a Liaison for the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, (the Tribe that won the U.S. Supreme Court Case for Tribal Gaming), supporting the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) and the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) from 1992 – 1995 helping to orchestrate and promote Economic Equality with commercial productions, sponsorship, and fundraisers.
In 2001, Colorado’s Governor Romer invited me to the Governor’s Mansion to be celebrated with the Women of Vision for promoting community efforts within the community: Wells Fargo, Colorado Women’s Leadership Conference (CWLC), Denver Art Museum, Urban League, Denver Juneteenth, etc.
A memorable highlight for me was receiving applause after delivering a welcome speech in Russian to Russian Investment Bankers visiting my employer, Wells Fargo Investments, on a week long learning exchange that I was asked to help plan.
I discovered that Social Justice has many layers and facets, whether as an Emcee at Town Hall Meetings in English and Spanish, or traveling throughout the U.S. from 2010 – 2014 to meet with and facilitate community advocacy groups to implement the California Homeowner Bill of Rights signed into law in 2012, and to inform homeowners about loan forgiveness.
From 2016-2020, I assisted in a municipality in the Coachella Valley in various departments: Economic Development, Planning (Planning Commission, Historic Preservation), and the Fire Department. This experience solidified the ‘how’ cities are to inform its’ citizens about building, planning, City Council Meetings and decisions made for the community.
I would like to mention my Advocacy participation with and through the Catholic Church: Diocese of San Bernardino, which encompasses Riverside County and San Bernardino County (the largest County in the U.S.) and Diocese of Los Angeles, and a local two term Board Member for Catholic Daughters – a national organization with over 100,000 members, as well as secular groups that foster Advocacy and Healing.
Additionally, my reach extends to the LGBTQ+ community. For two years, 2020 and 2021, I was the Controller for The Dinah, a 30+ year old organization with participants and sponsors from all over the globe.
Whether creating events for Inauguration in Washington D.C., Casino fundraisers for NAACP, engaging Art Museums, and Community Sponsors, or serving as a Disaster Relief Worker for American Red Cross, I have entrenched myself in the community.
San Bernardino Valley College
Placement: Al Otro Lado
School: San Bernardino Valley College
Placement: Al Otro Lado
My name is Daisy Cervantes and I am a first generation student as well as being the first born for both sides of my family. My favorite things to do is to read and play tennis in my spare time.
San Bernardino Valley College Placement: CHIRLA
School: San Bernardino Valley College
Placement: CHIRLA
The school I’m attending is San Bernardino Valley College. My field of study is health science. What drew me to this fellowship was my desire to help the immigration community while also learning more about legal immigration services and connecting with others.
la dolce vita
Los Angeles Mission College
Placement: Al Otro Lado
School: Los Angeles Mission College
Placement: Al Otro Lado
Hello my name is Jesus Ortega. I am twenty two years old. My birthday is in October and one thing I really like is cheese cake. I am passionate about my studies and soccer. I like watching scary movies and listening to music. What draws me to this fellowship is to help other families with their language barriers. Also gaining hands-on experience within the immigration law field.
San Bernardino Valley College
Placement: Al Otro Lado
School: San Bernardino Valley College
Placement: Al Otro Lado
My name is Julio Huerta Cortes and I am studying at San Bernardino Valley College. I am currently majoring in Graphic Design. WHat drew me to this fellowship is the great work that it does and the opportunity to be part of that work.
San Bernardino Valley College
Placement: CARECEN
School: San Bernardino Valley College
Placement: CARECEN
I attend SBVC and Human Service is my major. I am drawn to the fellowship because I do work in the Community that would benefit from me to learn and apply what I learn to help others.
San Bernardino Valley College
Placement: CHIRLA
School: San Bernardino Valley College
Placement: CHIRLA
I attend San Bernardino Valley college. My Major is Computer Informational Technology. I applied for this fellowship because I would like to gain experience in my community with immigration laws and such to become familiar with being an ally for future reference. Being inclusive to all cultures and backgrounds of people who struggle to live in the United States is a learning process I would like to gain more knowledge and experience in.
San Bernardino Valley College
Placement: Al Otro Lado
School: San Bernardino Valley College
Placement: Al Otro Lado
My name is Sharon Celeste Diaz Gomez, I was born and raised in El Salvador, at 17 years old in 2020 I decided to move to the United States. I studied English as a second language (ESL) while doing my General Education Diploma (GED), in 2021 I graduated and began my studies at San Bernardino Valley College majoring in Psychology. What attracted me to this Fellowships is the opportunity to be able to help those people who need immigration help and thus be able to achieve their personal goals, and to be able to give a little back to the community that needs it, since with my experience and my own experiences I hope that they can feel identified and be able to demonstrate that no matter your immigration status you can achieve your goals.
San Bernardino Valley College
Placement: Pomona Economic Opportunity Center
School: San Bernardino Valley College
Placement: Pomona Economic Opportunity Center
My name is Maritza Perez, and I am currently a student at San Bernardino Valley College. I am an English major with the aspiration of becoming a lawyer. I am deeply passionate about justice and committed to helping individuals. I see this fellowship as an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in my community. Through this program, I hope to expand my understanding and use my skills to contribute positively and effectively to the betterment of those around me.
San Bernardino Valley College
Placement: Catholic Charities of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties
School: San Bernardino Valley College
Placement: Catholic Charities of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties
Hi, my name is Yvonne Daniela Perez. I am a 21 year old first generation student. I come from a hard working family that does not give up until achieving our goals. I am currently attending San Bernardino Valley College, and have successfully obtained a Real Estate certificate. I am currently working on getting licensed by the state, and getting my Associates degree by May 2025 for Music Education. I truly believe that it is important to do our part and help as many people as possible, wherever we go. That is a main reason as to why I was drawn to this fellowship program. I truly admire the process and dedication that is needed, and hope that one day I will be able to do the same for others as well.
Get to know some our Summer 2023 Cohort Student Fellows!
Los Angeles Mission College
Placement: International Rescue Committee
School: Los Angeles Mission College
Placement: International Rescue Committee
I am a 22 year old college student expanding my education at IRC. I love to learn and help others through my experiences and knowledge. I graduated last year from LAMC with an AA in Early Childhood Education. I plan to become a Preschool teacher at a Montessori school. I just came back to LAMC this year to become a Paralegal.
Fresno City College
Placement: Education and Leadership Foundation
School: Fresno City College
Placement: Education and Leadership Foundation
Hello everyone, my name is Pricilla Ramos. I am Hispanic and come from Mexican parents. I love and appreciate my culture and embrace it every chance I get. Not only do I feel passionate about immigration, but also an overall passion for social justice. My heart has always sought out to help others who have no voice. My desire to help those in need grew deeper when I had my son. Now as a mom, I am determined to be able to contribute to society and provide assistance to those in need. I am very grateful for my fellowship with the program and am ready to start helping the community.
Fresno City College
Placement: Education and Leadership Foundation
School: Fresno City College
Placement: Education and Leadership Foundation
I’ve always known I wanted to practice law, but I could never conceptualize how. Growing up Black and queer was challenging and cultivated a lot of passion for advocacy work. I wasn’t sure how I could incorporate law and advocacy for my own communities here in Fresno. Right now I’ve been exploring how LGBTQ and immigrant identities are disadvantaged within the legal field. I’ve learned so much about immigration law since working with this fellowship. It lit a fire in me about a cause that I wasn’t sure I would connect to. But I have, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to learn from experts in the field. I really feel like I’m helping an underserved part of my community. It’s very fulfilling work, that I’m grateful to be doing.
Fresno City College
Placement: Education and Leadership Foundation
School: Fresno City College
Placement: Education and Leadership Foundation
I am currently pursuing political science at Fresno City College, with aspirations of becoming an attorney dedicated to advocating for justice. I am deeply passionate about addressing social issues particularly drug abuse, homelessness, and immigration, and I find immense joy in volunteering for local charities. Moreover, I have a deep affection for my homeland, Panjab, and I take great pleasure in listening to Panjabi music. I am truly grateful for this fellowship, as it allows me to be a resource for the immigrant community and make a meaningful impact.
Fresno City College
Placement: Centro La Familia Advocacy Services
School: Fresno City College
Placement: Centro La Familia Advocacy Services
Hello! My name is Karen Nieva Valdez, I am a first-generation Latina student eager to create a positive change within my diverse community. I have gained plenty of hours in community service so far and have been an intern at Centro La Familia Advocacy Services in the immigration department for four months now; I am also currently working at the Consulate of Mexico where I have the opportunity to learn about my culture even more while assisting my Latino community. I am currently a student at Fresno City College where I will obtain my associate’s degree in philosophy this upcoming year. I then will transfer to a UC to obtain my bachelor’s degree in philosophy as well. My ultimate career goal is to pursue law school at potentially UCLA to become an immigration attorney! :).
Fresno City College
Placement: Central California Legal Services
School: Fresno City College
Placement: Central California Legal Services
My name is Xitlalic Villanueva, I am 19 yrs old from Fresno Ca, I am on a pre-law pathway with the goal of being a lawyer. I have so much more to learn and CYLC is helping me learn so much information and get great hands-on experience! Thank you!
This nine-month fellowship consists of:
Training in Immigration Law. Fellows take CLINIC’s Comprehensive Overview of Immigration Law (COIL) through an eight-week virtual e-course, which requires at least 10 hours of study per week, alongside their courses for their course of study. The COIL provides an overview of core immigration law concepts and legal skills to enable students to quickly learn the fundamentals of immigration law and gain the training background to become effective legal advocates for low-income immigrants.
Work-based Learning. To gain on-hands experience in the practice of immigration law, students are placed at a Department of Justice-Recognized community-based immigration legal services organization. The time commitment will be determined at field placement. Students typically work between 10 and 20 hours per week.
Robust Academic and Social-Emotional Supports. Fellows participate in weekly check-ins with faculty and staff and are provided with the academic and social-emotional supports needed to succeed.
Leadership Development and Enrichment Activities. Students also participate in enrichment activities such as leadership development workshops and activities and career advising that prepares them for employment as a legal advocate and/or practitioner in their local community.
Students must be enrolled at one of the participating colleges, Los Angeles Mission College or San Bernardino Valley College. While all majors and courses of study will be considered, priority will be given to students pursuing Ethnic Studies or Paralegal Studies.
For questions or more information about the fellowship, please contact:
Genet Areda | genet@communitylearningpartnership.org
Sophia San Miguel | sophia@communitylearningpartnership.org
Rosa M. García | rosa@communitylearningpartnership.org
Enabling more low-income immigrants to receive affordable, quality legal services
Through the CYLC community-based immigration legal services career pathway, more legal service providers and non-attorney staff will attain and maintain the proper credentials to practice immigration law. This will enable more low-income immigrants to receive affordable, quality legal services and to take advantage of existing immigration benefits and, eventually, obtain U.S. citizenship.
This project seeks to expand and enhance the ability of local nonprofit agencies to provide quality immigration legal services to low-income immigrants. The demand for these services has continuously outstripped the supply, particularly in rural areas of the state. It is also a timely project because the legal services community continues to need capacity in order to help people seeking asylum, family-based visas, and citizenship.
Enabling access to critical services for immigrant communities across California.
The Language Justice Career Pathways seeks to expand the number of qualified interpreters who can provide interpretation and translation services to immigrant communities in California. California is the most multilingual state in the nation, with over 200 spoken languages and sign languages, and with 44 percent of Californians speaking a non-English language at home. Trained and qualified interpreters enable access to critical legal, health care, educational, and other services and empower immigrant communities to make their voices heard in local-decision making.
However, few interpreter-training programs are available to aspiring interpreters who speak languages other than Spanish. Such programs are rarely available to under-resourced communities. With a third to half of California’s farm workers speaking an Indigenous Mexican language, the lack of accessible interpreter training is silencing some of our most marginalized communities. The Language Justice Career Pathway seeks to increase the number of qualified interpreters to better serve marginalized immigrant communities across California.
Learn more about our work
CLP-CYLC Executive Director Rosa M. García testifies before the California Senate Budget and Fiscal Review
Interested in learning more? Feel free to reach out and connect!
Rosa M. García, Ed.D.
(She/Her/Ella)
Executive Director, Community Learning Partnership (CLP) and
California Youth Leadership Corps (CYLC)
Rosa@communitylearningpartnership.org
(m) 510-375-6340
We are proud to partner and collaborate with these partners to make CYLC possible
The Broad Foundation
The California Department of Social Services
The California Endowment
The California Labor and Workforce Development Agency
The California Workforce Development Board
The Conrad Hilton Foundation
The Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund
The Grove Foundation
The Tides Foundations