Ambassador program helps student peers capture resources

Erica Serrano has dedicated her career to helping young children grow. Receiving her child development certification to operate her own preschool, Serrano co-owns a preschool program in San Diego that serves up to 43 students. Serrano attributes her success in large part to her time in the California Community Colleges Student Ambassador Program.

The California Community Colleges Student Ambas­sador Program trains students to serve as on-campus advocates who educate their peers about basic needs programs and resources available to improve food and housing security, mental health, financial wellness, and more. Peer-to-peer outreach by ambassadors builds awareness, decreases stigma, increases access to the public benefits and support students need to stay in school and succeed. The program also serves as an important professional development and leadership op­portunity where student ambassadors receive a stipend for participation and ongoing coaching and support.

Serrano lives in central San Diego, and picked South­western College because of its child development pro­gram, which they offered them in-person, hybrid and online formats, which was convenient for the mother of two. Now she operates Sunshine Preschool Academy in Lemon Grove.

Serrano said it was by chance email where she saw the opportunity to become a student ambassador, and after reading it, realized the opportunities the program could provide for her career.

“They offered financial literacy classes, resume build­ing, professional development, community engagement. After seeing all it offered, I wanted to be a part of it. I applied for the Student Ambassador Program. It was a rigorous application, as they want to make sure that you will follow through with the program,” she said. “They offer a stipend. I was going to get all these skills that I can use, and they would pay me to help promote the program.”

Serrano said as a student ambassador you are given the opportunity to help the community.

“They train you on different resources. They trained me on CalFresh, low auto insurance, and the com­munity crisis line, and they train you how to share this information to students, so that you can help your community by providing these resources that students would not otherwise know about or know that they could qualify for. This training and resources are avail­able for all students that go to California community colleges,” she said.

Serrano said she held two community resource fairs at Southwestern College, the first one for Valentine’s Day, where she promoted CalFresh.

“If you qualify for CalFresh, which many students are eligible for, you get money from the government to buy groceries. I had many students sign up. I was giving away small presents while promoting and was able to help many students. Many of them did not know that they could qualify for this service,” she said. “An­other community event was during Rush Week, when all the programs could come out with different tables for the students. That time, I promoted the Student Crisis Line, a behavioral health service offered free where you can talk to a counselor, and it is completely confidential.”

Serrano said community college students should think about becoming student ambassadors because it helps you grow professionally, it is fun, you get a network of people, and you get to help your community.

“It is for students who want to help their community and gain leadership skills. It is a great program to join for those reasons. The stipend is helpful, and they pro­vide you with all the tools for success,” she said, adding that it not only helps you with skills while in college, but provides skills that can help you after college, re­gardless of your career choice.

Serrano said she is currently focused on her childcare business but plans to go back to school to earn a mas­ter’s in child development.

Serrano said she went into child development be­cause she has a passion for chil­dren and making a difference in her community.

“When COVID hit, I saw a shift in the childcare industry. I have two children, and it was difficult for me at that time. I decided then that I wanted to help other families, and the children,” she said. “The Stu­dent Ambassador Program sets you up with skills for life. It has helped me become the person I am today. I appreciate the pro­gram and encourage any stu­dent to join.”

For information on the Cali­fornia Community Colleges Stu­dent Ambassador Program, visit foundationccc.org.