The University of Utah Division of Student Affairs is showing support for Dreamers and DACA students by organizing a 3K walk/run on campus. The funds raised will go to the Dreamer Support Fund, which provides scholarships and specialized mentoring and support, from college access to graduation and beyond. Dreamer(s) is an inclusive term for undocumented students with and without Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). DACA was introduced in 2012 to protect immigrants who came to the United States as children and allows them to enroll in college, work legally, and obtain a driver’s license. Before the current administration ended the executive order in support of DACA, nearly 800,000 young people had benefited from the program.
The 3K, will be held Saturday, Dec. 2, at 10 a.m. and is open to anyone. The route circles the campus, beginning and ending at the Student Services Building. Registration begins at 9:15 a.m. Runners start at 10 a.m., and walkers start 10 minutes later. Registration donations are $30 for community members and $15 for students. For a $5 donation, dogs can join. Click here to register.
“We are committed to supporting all of our students, and we invite you to join with us and many others in the administration and faculty who are contributing to student scholarships, including a new fund for Dreamers,” university administrators wrote in a letter sent last year to all members of the U community.
The Dreamer Support Fund is designed to support undocumented students at the University of Utah. Donations contribute to scholarships, emergency support and expanding access to opportunities. The U’s Student Affairs division partnered with the university’s Career and Professional Development Center to organize this event.
“During this turbulent time, Dreamers are scared and nervous, not knowing if or when they will be forced to leave,” said Stan Inman, director of the Career and Professional Development Center. “We have immense empathy for these students, and we wanted to do something to show our support.”
Click here to donate.