Resources for Immigrant Students


Access to Postsecondary Education

Resources for Undocumented Students Applying for College

The Boston Teachers Union (BTU) and the Student Immigration Movement (SIM) created a document to share resources with immigrant students as they apply for college. The document includes useful information such as Frequently Asked Questions regarding Financial Aids, Scholarship Opportunities, a List of "undocu-friendly" higher education institutions and etc. Make sure to check it out the Resources for Undocumented Students Applying to College. BTU Unafraid Educators also created the one-pager FAQs on college access.

Immigrant Scholarship Guide

The Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement has created a guide that lists various scholarship opportunities that immigrant students are eligible for. Please click here to view the scholarship guide. (Updated 2.28.2018)


Immigrants Rising Scholarship List

Immigrants Rising put together a list of undergraduate and graduate scholarships that do not require proof of citizenship or legal permanent residency. Please click here to check it out!

The Unafraid Scholarship for BPS Graduates

The Unafraid Scholarship was founded by the BTU's Unafraid Educators in order to provide financial support for students who are not eligible to receive financial aid from the federal government due to their immigration status. It is a one-time grant made payable to the student. The amount of the scholarship will depend on the particular financial need of the student, the number of qualified applicants, and the funds raised in a given year.

  • In order to qualify for the Unafraid Scholarship students must:
  • Be undocumented
  • Be a BPS graduate

There is no GPA requirement. Students must submit all materials by June 1st to Unafraidscholarship@gmail.com

Start your application here (bit.ly/unafraidscholarship)

National Immigration Law Center (NILC) created a toolkit that includes resources on financial Aid & scholarships for students regardless of immigration status, immigrant Rights, student advocacy groups & other Resources. Please click here to check out the toolkit.

In-State Tuition

The state of Massachusetts has not yet passed legislation allowing for undocumented students to access in-state tuition, but there is some hope.

Students with DACA are eligible for in-state tuition at all public colleges and universities. Certain private colleges and universities also offer financial aid assistance to both undocumented and daca-mented students. If you are unsure if a school offers tuition assistance, make sure you call the school's financial aid office and visit their website.

For more information and to stay up-to-date on state policy changes, visit the uLead Network Mass Policy page .

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Update January 2018

Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) put together a list of useful DACA resources including information about DACA renewal and how the ending of DACA program would affect work permits, social security numbers (SSNs), and etc.

A Guide for Immigrant Youth

Navigating the various resources found online can be difficult, especially for a student who still needs to attend class and complete homework assignments. The ILRC has done an amazing job of creating a guide designed for students and young people to be informed. In this guide you will find information about your rights, applying to work in the United States, getting an ID, and so much more. The guide is available in both English and Spanish (Español) .

Boston Student Advisory Council

The Boston Student Advisory Council (BSAC) created the Boston Student Rights App which was designed by and for students of the Boston Public Schools. The App provides information about student rights under BPS policies, how to engage with BSAC, and connects students with resources to meet their needs. Boston Student Rights delivers information around school discipline procedures, suspension, expulsion, and equity policies in clear, easy to understand language. Individuals who have a solid understanding of the BPS Code of Conduct and Equity policies are better able to advocate for themselves and ensure they are treated appropriately. If a student or family believes their rights have been violated, they are able to use a reporting function to file a grievance report.

BPS Brochure: Opportunities for Undocumented Students

This brochure is available in the following languages:

*Updated translations coming soon

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