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Higher Education
COFEM supports and advocates for students and their families as the students pursue a higher education. Through policy advocacy and supportive initiatives, COFEM aims to increase college access, affordability, and success in the Coachella Valley and across the state by addressing the challenges students face while pursuing higher education. Through discussions, collaborative workshops, and scholarship opportunities, COFEM also creates spaces for students and parents/tutors to share their experiences, gain a support system, and learn about resources.
Our Advocacy Efforts
Youth Advocacy Program
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An annual 10 session (1 hour) program for a span of 5 months.
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This program teaches students how to advocate for themselves and their community, receive mentorship, network with other students and organizations, gain leadership and volunteer experience that will boost their college application and resume.
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This program is open to high school students in grades 10-12th that live in the Coachella Valley (cities: Indio, Coachella, Thermal, Mecca, Oasis, and North Shore).
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We only accept 15 students per year.
Annual Sacramento Advocacy Day
Our Partners: ECV for Change
ECV for Change is a non-profit organization committed to serving ECV students by advocating for higher education.
Their mission is to empower students and their families through higher education, civic engagement, and leadership development to remove systemic barriers and improve the quality of life in the Eastern Coachella Valley.
Our role in Advocacy Day:
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Every year we schedule a trip to the state capitol in collaboration with ECV for Change.
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We take 10-12 students and 3-5 parents
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The students get to speak with government officials to advocate for programs and policies that directly affect their education. They are trained and prepped for this through 3 sessions where they learn how to efficiently advocate.
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All expenses paid
Regional and State Coalitions
COFEM, along with College for All coalition members and other coalitions, advocates for inclusive policies in higher education through activities such as writing amendments, seeking letters of support and meeting with government officials.
College For All Coalition:
They are a multiracial, statewide, and community-led coalition of over 60 diverse organizations in CA representing student, parent, community, education, labor, faith, and civil rights groups seeking to promote social justice in public higher education.
College Futures Foundation, Community Engagement for College Success Network:
It consists of 11 community-based organizations (CBOs) representing Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, and the Fresno area. Mobilizing around a shared goal to boost higher education access, affordability, and success in communities of color, this initiative serves to:
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Develop a strong and diverse network of community organizations advocating for equity in higher education, locally and statewide,
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Engage, empower, and mobilize community members around higher education equity, and
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Deepen and expand a base of stakeholders to hold policymakers and institutional leaders accountable for accessible, affordable, and attainable higher education.
Programs and Events
Annual College Success Conference
This event features a diverse range of workshops for students and parents, covering topics from navigating college admission regardless of immigration status to supporting parents and students' mental health during the transition from high school to higher education. These workshops are designed to inform and prepare students and their parents for the journey ahead.
The conference also features a resource fair, and as a highlight, keynote speakers who are esteemed community leaders. Their insights and experiences are meant to inspire and motivate students for their educational journey. Additionally, a panel of local college students will share their experiences navigating the higher education process.
During this conference, COFEM announces scholarship recipients, and provides some students with brand new laptops, and gift cards.
Health Career Connection Program
Each year, COFEM's Higher Education Program partners with the Health Career Connection Program to host two interns for 10 consecutive weeks. During their internship, these students gain valuable real-world work experience, learning skills that contribute to their career goals and future success.
Interns are involved in a variety of projects, ranging from community outreach to administrative support and program development. They receive mentorship from experienced professionals, participate in workshops and training sessions, and have opportunities to network with industry leaders. This comprehensive experience equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their future careers.
COFEM is committed to empowering the next generation of young professionals, providing a supportive environment where interns can grow, learn, and make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Educational Workshops
COFEM partners with community colleges, high schools in the Coachella Valley, and other community organizations to provide educational workshops for students and parents. These workshops cover various aspects of achieving higher education, such as college application assistance, financial aid and scholarship information, and career exploration. An example is our peer review series for completing the personal insight questions for UC applications. Our goal is to equip students and their families with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and professionally.
Tailored Resources and Mentorship for Students
COFEM provides tailored resources to high school and community college students to support their educational journey. These resources include detailed information on colleges and universities of interest, guidance on applying for local and state scholarships, and additional support such as application tips and career advice. Our goal is to ensure each student has access to the specific tools and guidance they need to succeed academically and reach their career goals.
COFEM offers personalized mentorship to students seeking guidance on their path to higher education. Our mentorship includes 1:1 meetings, emails, and phone calls to provide tailored advice and support. We help students create a timeline and roadmap to achieve their academic and career goals, ensuring they have the guidance needed to succeed.
