Undocumented students often face unique challenges when applying for college and financial aid, but there are several resources available to help them navigate the process and access higher education. Here are some key resources and organizations that support undocumented students:
1.The Dream U.S Scholarships
What It Is: TheDream.US is the largest college access and success program for DREAMers. They offer scholarships to undocumented students who are DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients or TPS (Temporary Protected Status) holders.
How It Helps: Scholarships cover tuition and fees for up to four years of undergraduate study at partner colleges across the United States.
Website: https://www.thedream.us/
2. My Undocumented Life
What It Is: This is a website dedicated to providing up-to-date information, resources, and news for undocumented students.
How It Helps: It offers advice on applying to college, finding scholarships, understanding your legal rights, and more. The site also features personal stories and experiences from other undocumented students.
Website: https://mydocumentedlife.org/
3. Immigrants Rising
What It Is: Immigrants Rising provides resources and support for undocumented students pursuing higher education and careers.
How It Helps: They offer scholarships, fellowships, and an entrepreneurship fund for undocumented students. Their website also has a comprehensive list of scholarships that do not require U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency.
Website: https://immigrantsrising.org/
4. United We Dream (UWD)
What It Is: UWD is the largest immigrant youth-led network in the country, offering a variety of support services to undocumented students.
How It Helps: UWD provides advocacy, resources, and guidance on college access, DACA renewals, and legal aid. They also have a toolkit specifically for undocumented students planning to attend college.
Website: https://unitedwedream.org/
5. MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund)
What It Is: MALDEF is a civil rights organization that offers a scholarship resource guide for undocumented students.
How It Helps: The guide includes a list of scholarships available to undocumented students, including those without DACA status, along with general college preparation information.
Website: MALDEF Scholarship Resource Guide
6. National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
What It Is: NILC is an organization that focuses on defending and advancing the rights of low-income immigrants.
How It Helps: They provide information on the legal rights of undocumented students, including access to education and financial aid. NILC also offers resources for understanding how immigration status affects college admissions and scholarship opportunities.
Website: https://www.nilc.org/
7. College-Specific Resources
What It Is: Many colleges and universities have established support services and scholarships specifically for undocumented students.
How It Helps: Look for campus offices dedicated to multicultural affairs, immigrant student support, or diversity and inclusion. These offices often provide personalized advising, mentorship, and financial aid resources.
Examples: Some schools, like the University of California system, have DREAM Centers that offer support services tailored to undocumented students.
8. Financial Aid for Undocumented Students
State-Based Aid: Some states, like California, Texas, New York, and Washington, offer state-funded financial aid programs for undocumented students. Check if your state has similar programs.
Private Scholarships: Numerous private scholarships do not require U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency. Websites like Fastweb and Scholarships.com allow you to filter scholarships based on eligibility requirements.
9. Educators for Fair Consideration (E4FC)
What It Is: E4FC is a project that provides support for undocumented young people in their pursuit of college, career, and citizenship.
How It Helps: They offer free legal services, scholarship lists, and a "Life After College" guide specifically designed for undocumented students.
Website: E4FC (Note: E4FC's services have been integrated into Immigrants Rising)
10. Dreamer Resource Centers
What They Are: Some colleges have established Dreamer Resource Centers to support undocumented students.
How They Help: These centers offer resources, counseling, academic advising, and community-building opportunities tailored to the needs of undocumented students.
Please see Ms. Cosgray for more information.