UKIAH
Mendocino College strengthens commitment to diversity and student safety
Mendocino College, a Hispanic Serving Institution, is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of its diverse student body in response to recent changes in federal immigration enforcement guidelines. The college has reaffirmed its dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of immigration status.
As part of its commitment, Mendocino College has established comprehensive guidelines to address concerns related to immigration enforcement actions on campus. These guidelines are designed to protect the rights of students and ensure their safety. If federal immigration officials, such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, seek access to any of the college’s campuses or request student information, college personnel are instructed to refer the request to the Office of the Superintendent/President. The office will work with legal services to determine the lawfulness of the request. Additionally, any presence of ICE officials on campus should be reported immediately to campus security.
The college emphasizes the importance of students being aware of their rights in interactions with immigration officials. Key points include the right to remain silent, the right not to open the door for immigration agents, and the right to legal counsel before signing any documents. Mendocino College provides various resources to support its students, including guidance from the California Attorney General’s Office and free Red Cards from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, which offer reminders for asserting rights and protecting oneself in various situations.
“We are deeply committed to supporting the safety and educational needs of our students and college community,” said Tim Karas, President of Mendocino College. “Our diverse student body is our greatest strength, and we will continue to uphold our commitment to creating a welcoming and secure learning environment for everyone. Together, we will ensure that all students have access to the resources and information they need to thrive.”
Mendocino College’s proactive measures reflect its dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. As a Hispanic Serving Institution, the college has a demonstrated commitment to its Hispanic community and other people of color. The college’s efforts to protect the rights and well-being of its students underscore its mission to provide a safe and supportive educational environment for all.
Learn more at www.mendocino.edu
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LAKE COUNTY
Collaborative efforts help to “spread the love”
Winter time efforts to help replenish our local food banks are under way. The Redwood Empire Food Bank and Lake County Democrats are combining their efforts during the month of February to specifically increase the supply of healthy and easy to serve peanut butter. The peanut butter drive is aptly named “Spread the Love”. Every jar donated will make a difference.
In collaboration with the Redwood Empire Food Bank and for the convenience of donors, Lake County Democrats have established drop off sites at homes in many of our local communities. Those sites are found on lakecountydemocrats.org. Just take your donation of peanut butter, no glass jars please, to any of the designated sites. Any kind of nut butter and other nonperishable food items are welcome. At the end of February, Lake County Democrats will deliver the donated food to the Redwood Empire Food Bank. Distribution of collected food will take place at the Redwood Empire Food Bank’s established sites and schedules around the lake. That information is found on refb.com.
Participation by a variety of organizations is encouraged. Those who attend regularly scheduled club or social meetings and religious services are encouraged to plan a peanut butter collection during the month of February. Items collected can then be taken at any time to one of the drop off sites posted on lakecountydemocrats.org.
Providing high protein nutrition, while reducing food insecurity among our community members, is something we can all support.
—Submitted
NORTH COAST
STEM Students encouraged to apply for PG&E college scholarships of up to $10,000
The PG&E Corporation Foundation (PG&E Foundation) is inviting applicants for its annual Better Together STEM Scholarship Program for students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) disciplines.
The PG&E Foundation will provide $350,000 in total funding for 60 scholarships in the amounts of $10,000, $5,000 and $2,500 awards for eligible students.
Better Together STEM Scholarships are designed to give the next generation of Californians an opportunity to learn and succeed in higher education and support students who have made an impact in their community or who have overcome personal challenges.
The Better Together STEM Scholarship program has evolved over the years to help lessen the financial burden of attending college for more students and their families.
Since 2012, the Better Together STEM Scholarship Program has awarded $7.45 million to accomplished students based on a combined demonstration of community leadership, personal triumph, financial need and academic achievement.
Deadline and criteria
Interested applicants can learn more and apply at https://www.pge.com/en/about/educational-resources/grants-and-scholarships.html. Deadline to apply is March 14, 2025. Scholarships will be awarded by August.
Scholarships will be awarded based on academic achievement, demonstrated participation and leadership in school and community activities, and financial need. Students must pursue qualifying degrees in STEM disciplines include engineering, computer science/information systems, cybersecurity, environmental sciences, math and physics.
Applications are open to:
- High school seniors or graduates
- Students who have received a GED certification
- Current undergraduate students
- Non-traditional students or military veterans returning to school or pursuing their first undergraduate degree
Applicants must live or be a dependent of a resident in PG&E’s service area in Northern and Central California; plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study for the entire 2025-2026 academic year; and be seeking their first undergraduate degree at an accredited four-year institution in California or HBCU.
PG&E Employee Resource Group scholarships
In addition to the Better Together STEM Scholarship Program, PG&E’s 11 employee resource groups (ERGs) and two engineering networking groups (ENGs) award scholarships to help offset the cost of higher education. The funds are raised entirely through coworker donations, coworker fundraising events and the company’s coworker giving program. Since 1989, more than $6 million in ERG/ENG scholarships have been received by thousands of recipients. Apply at https://www.pge.com/en/about/educational-resources/grants-and-scholarships.html#tabs-6309b4b92d-item-77f60d11c6-tab
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