We believe that every student deserves access to education and support, regardless of immigration status. DREAMers—a term often used to describe young undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children—are an essential part of our schools and communities. Undocumented students face unique barriers, but they also bring strength, resilience, and ambition to their communities.
This page is here to provide important resources, including financial aid opportunities, scholarships, mental health services, and connections to advocacy organizations that can help guide you through your educational journey.
"As co-founders, we created this platform with one purpose: to uplift, connect, and empower undocumented youth across MHHS. We know the journey is filled with unique challenges — from navigating college applications to finding a sense of belonging. That’s why we’re here."
- from the Cofounders, Mrs. Andrea and Ms. Alma (SDSU Interns 2024-2025)
*Disclaimer: This website does not provide legal guidance.
Students Without Limits (SWOL) is a nonprofit organization in San Diego, California, that provides school-based support to underserved minority and immigrant teens from low-income families who will be first-generation college students, founded by Amie and Kevin Scully. SWOL provides legal, mental health, and continuing education support.
SWOL creates a safe, confidential space where middle and high school students from San Diego’s diverse immigrant communities can connect with peers, share experiences, and access culturally responsive support. Through workshops and peer engagement, SWOL fosters empowerment, resilience, and a sense of belonging among the youth it serves.
SWOL is partnered with MHHS and provides Know Your Rights workshops to students and families.
My Undocumented Life has a list of key information & resources to help you navigate high school and life after high school while undocumented (with or without DACA), including scholarships for college that are open to undocumented students, advice from former/current undocumented college students, and opportunities to work.
We will continue to expand this resource page so please make sure to bookmark it!
The Migrant Education Program helps students whose families move to do seasonal work like farming, nursery work, dairy, fishing, or packing agricultural products. It also supports students who do this work on their own. Students can get help through the program until they turn 22 or earn a high school diploma or equivalent.
Region 9 serves about 4,000 students, ages 3 to 21, in Orange and San Diego counties. The program is run by the San Diego County Office of Education and works with schools and community partners to offer extra support—like tutoring, supplies, and help with graduation and college or career planning.
Migrant Education also provides workshops and training for parents, and invites families to help plan services that best support their children’s success in school.
This PowerPoint presentation, Career Pathways for Undocumented Students, provides information on career pathways for undocumented students with and without work authorization and additional resources.
Below are other resources to help with planning after high school.
Independent Contractor Brainstorming Worksheet
Spark Powered by Immigrants Rising
California Student Aid Commission
California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program
California Nonresident Tuition Exemption (AB 540)
San Marcos Unified School District Immigration Resources
Universidad Popular is a community organization that serves North County. Their mission is to foster self-reliance within a distinctive multi-generational environment by offering hands-on learning opportunities in areas such as healing, crafts, farming, cooking, writing, technology (taught by youth), physical activity, multimedia, and more.
San Diego County Office of Education Immigration Resources Website
What is the difference between a Dreamer, an Undocumented, and a Mixed Status student?
Dreamer: refers to undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children and have grown up in the U.S., often identifying it as their home.
Undocumented: Refers to individuals living in a country without current legal/lawful status.
Mixed status: Refers to families where members have varying legal statuses, acknowledging the complexities of these households.
Can I go to college in the U.S if I am undocumented?
Yes! Undocumented students can attend any college or university in California, as long as they meet the requirements and are admitted/accepted.
Can I apply for financial aid?
Yes! You can apply using the California Dream Act Application. The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) is a financial aid application that allows eligible undocumented and nonresident students, including those who qualify under AB 540, to apply for state-based financial aid in California. Through CADDA, students can receive Grants, California College Promise Grant (formerly BOG Fee Waiver), State University Grants (SUGs), UC Grants, Dream Loans, and School-specific scholarships.
What is AB 540?
AB 540 is a California law (Assembly Bill 540) that allows eligible undocumented students, as well as other non-residents, to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities in California (such as UC, CSU, and California Community Colleges), rather than the much higher non-resident tuition.
Students must meet specific criteria:
Attending a California high school for at least 3 years,
Graduating from a California high school (or obtaining the equivalent, like a GED), and
Filing an affidavit with the college or university stating that they will apply for legal status as soon as they are eligible to do so.