For undocumented students, the road to college is not an easy one. Despite some having the ability to work thanks to programs like the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), in-state tuition and financial aid aren’t always a possibility – making the cost of college more burdensome.
At a time when this community is continuously under attack, worrying about how to pay for school is another challenge. Here are a few scholarships undocumented students are eligible for.
Anhelo Project Dream Scholarship Application
Deadline: January 26, 2018
The Anhelo Project is for undocumented students in Illinois. “Our goal is to support undocumented students, many of whom despite growing up in the United States and earning a high school diploma, continuously face challenging roadblocks when pursuing a post-secondary education. One major obstacle being financial need due to ineligibility to apply for federal and state financial aid.”
Learn more and apply here.
Ascend Educational Fund
Deadline: February 2, 2018
This scholarship is open to New York City students who are either immigrants or have parents who are immigrants, regardless of their status. The award, which ranges from $2,500 to $20,000 will be distributed equally over a two-year of four-year period. The application requires two essays and letters of recommendation.
Learn more and apply here.
The Dream.US
Deadline: March 1, 2018
The Dream.US offers two awards – the National Scholarship and the Opportunity Scholarship. The difference between the two depend on whether the state you live in offers in-state tuition or not. Regardless, both are designed to help high school students and community college graduates pursue their dreams.
Learn more and apply here.
CUNY BECAS Scholarship Program 2018
Deadline: March 1, 2018
This scholarship program offers up to $6,530 to those who either attend or will attend a CUNY school as an undergrad or graduate student. Students must show commitment to the Mexican and/or immigrant community.
Learn more and apply here.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Deadline: March 30
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund has one goal: to “assist students of Hispanic heritage obtain a college degree.” The scholarship is open to high school seniors, undergrads, students transferring from community college to four-year universities, and graduate students. The 2018-2019 scholarships vary between $500 and $5,000. Though US citizens and permanent legal residents can apply, so can DACA and other eligible non-citizens.
Learn more and apply here.
Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
Deadline: April 1, 2018
The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund helps students who are “active in movements for social and economic justice.” Students do not have to be US citizens to be eligible for the scholarship, which maxes out at $10,000 a year.
Learn more and apply here.
2018 Esperanza Education Fund Scholarship
Deadline: April 6, 2018
Ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, the Esperanza Education Fund Scholarship is awarded to students who work hard, are resourceful, and persevere against the odds. The money will be distributed throughout the student’s college career.
Learn more and apply here.