Scholarships For Undocumented Students By Laura Bohorquez and Mayu Takeda

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Scholarships For Undocumented Students

By Laura Bohorquez and Mayu Takeda

“Being a Latina womxn, who is undocumented and unafraid, I had to apply to many scholarships to be able to achieve my educational dreams. After much self-advocacy and community support, I have been able to earn 18 scholarships towards my undergraduate degree at the University of Washington, Bothell. Earning these scholarships has taught me the power of sharing my story of self as a 1.5 generation, undocumented immigrant. My scholarship donors and my community have made an investment into my life as a scholar. Their generous donation and support has allowed me to prioritize my time, by focusing on my studies and giving forward to my community.”

-Alejandra Perez, senior at University of Washington, Bothell

The fight towards education equity continues because it includes advocating across the multiple issues affecting our underrepresented communities.  One of the issues is making sure that all students regardless of their multiple identities is able to go to school if they choose to. However, some of the barriers impeding that this is possible for our undocumented community is the constant rise in tuition, the lack of access to federal financial aid and the varying state laws that prohibit undocumented community members to pay in-state tuition or attend at all. Because of this schools, private entities, and organizations have continued to invest in all students and have helped countless students go to college by supporting scholarship funds.

Below please find scholarships that have an upcoming deadline and that are open to undocumented students. These scholarships are provided by either foundations, organizations, or individual donors who believe that all students should have the opportunity to compete for resources that would make their educational dreams a reality.

If you would like to include scholarships, resources, news or events in future blogs please email them to Mayu Takeda, Generation Progress Advocacy Associate at mtakeda@americanprogress.org, or Laura Bohorquez, Dream Educational Empowerment Program (DEEP) Coordinator at laura@unitedwedream.org.

We encourage you to keep updated on news, events and resources by following the Ed4all blog and the UWD DEEP resource page.

Scholarship Resources

Undergraduate and Graduate Programs

Coffeeforless.com – Hit the Books Scholarship (Deadline 09/30/2015)

With 25 years as a business leader in Philadelphia, we at CoffeeForLess.com know that tough times do not just hit the banks. They hit us all, but we must never lose sight of our biggest investment in the future: the next generation of scholars and entrepreneurs. We at CoffeeForLess.com are introducing the semi-annual “Hit The Books Scholarship” as our way of helping the future leaders of the business world meet their educational goals.

Mesothelioma Help Organization – Jan Egerton & Don Smitley Scholarship (Deadline10/09/2015)

The scholarship is available to students in colleges and universities throughout the United States. Our goal is to help the educational efforts of students while raising awareness of mesothelioma, provide information about its prognosis and the dangers of being exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma is a disease that affects men and women – both young and old.

AES Engineering Services – Scholarships for 2015 (Deadline 10/07/2015)

Our belief is that achieving a high grade point average should not be the only criteria for determining who deserves to be helped. For that reason we are offering a scholarship that will be awarded on the basis of character, as determined by evaluated the essays that are submitted. Scholarships are intended for our future leaders across a wide spectrum of fields of study. This award is available to high school seniors and all students attending a postsecondary educational facility.

You are not required to be taking Engineering courses to be eligible.

La Unidad Latina Foundation- La Unidad Latina Foundation Scholarships (Deadline10/15/2015)

This scholarship is for Hispanic students who are currently enrolled in an eligible bachelor’s or master’s degree program at an accredited four-year college or university. Eligible degrees include all bachelor’s degrees, Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Public Administration/Policy, Master of Social Work, Master of Education, and Master of Divinity. Undergraduate students must have completed at least one full-time year of study and have a cumulative GPA between 2.8 and 3.6, and graduate students must have completed at least one full-time semester.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers – Single Mother’s Scholarship 2015 (Deadline 12/05/2015)

Write a 500+ word essay on the advantages of going back to school while caring for your children as a mother. How do you believe motherhood has helped prepare you for the challenges that you will face as a student? Examples may include the ability to succeed in time management skills, ability to listen carefully to others and ability to effectively manage multiple priorities. Craft your essay and explain your answer.

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union – Affinity Plus Foundation Scholarship Program (Deadline01/29/2016)

In honor of our 15 year anniversary, we are proud to award fifteen $5,000 scholarships for 2016-2017 to incoming freshmen, upperclassmen, nontraditional and graduate student members of Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union. The application evaluation is based on leadership, volunteer and community involvement, extracurricular activities and scholastic achievement.

Geneseo Migrant Center – Frank Kazmierczak Memorial Migrant Scholarship (Deadline02/01/2016)

The purpose of this scholarship is to serve as a living tribute to Frank Kazmierczak, a long time migrant educator, by offering an annual award in the amount of $1,000 for post-secondary scholarship assistance to a migrant student who wishes to pursue a career in teaching.

CANFIT – Scholarships (Deadline 03/31/2016)

Undergraduate and graduate scholarships are available for California African-American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian American, Pacific Islander or Latino/Hispanic students expressing financial need to study nutrition, physical education or culinary arts in the state of California. Checks will be mailed to the educational institution and are to be used toward tuition and fees.

Geneseo Migrant Center –  Gloria Mattera National Migrant Scholarship Fund (Deadline04/15/2016)

The purpose of the Gloria Mattera National Migrant Scholarship Fund is to assist financially those migrant youth who have the potential and the desire to further their education to achieve their personal and career goals. Eligible applicants must be entering or enrolled in college or other types of post-secondary programs, high school dropouts or potential dropouts.

Geneseo Migrant Center – Jean DeGrace Crandall Memorial Scholarship Fund (Deadline04/15/2016)

The purpose of this scholarship is to serve as a memorial to Jean DeGrace Crandall, educator and friend to the migrant community, by offering an annual award in the amount of $2,000 for post-secondary scholarship assistance to a migrant farmworker or child of a migrant farmworker from Mexico with a history of migration to Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, or Westchester Counties in New York State. Though not required, but because of Jean’s personal interests, preference will be given to a student with a demonstrated interest in traditional Mexican art and culture.

Geneseo Migrant Center – Margaret Raley New York State Migrant Student Scholarship (Deadline 04/15/2016)

The purpose of this scholarship is to recognize the educational achievement of migrant farmworker students with a history of migration to and/or within New York State. This award of $500 will be offered annually to an individual student or the amount will be divided among two or more students.

Geneseo Migrant Center – Aurelio “Larry” Jazo Migrant Scholarship (Deadline 05/15/2016)

The purpose of this scholarship is to serve as a memorial to Aurelio “Larry” Jazo, a long time migrant educator, by offering an annual award in the amount of $1,000 for post-secondary scholarship assistance to a migrant farmworker student who has a recent migration to Illinois.

Geneseo Migrant Center – Friends of Senator Jack Perry Migrant Scholarship (Deadline04/15/2016)

The purpose of this scholarship is to honor a migrant farmworker student from New York State needing post-secondary scholarship assistance.

Undergraduate Programs Only

QuestBridge – National College Match (Deadline 09/28/2015)

The QuestBridge National College Match is a college and scholarship application process that helps outstanding low-income high school seniors gain admission and full four-year scholarships to the nation’s most selective colleges.

UC Riverside – Fall 2015 R’DREAM Book Grant (Deadline 10/04/2015)

If UCR’s Undocumented Student Program already has the textbook you need, you can borrow it from their Lending Library.  If they don’t have the textbook you need and you are selected for the book grant, you will receive an award for the cost of your textbook(s).  You can list up to 6 books.

UC Riverside – Fall 2015 R’DREAM Scholarship (Deadline 10/11/2015)

Selected scholarship recipients will be awarded up to $500 each.

Hispanic Heritage Foundation – 2015 Youth Awards (Deadline 10/15/2015)

The Youth Awards program is presented by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) and their sponsors. Latino high school seniors will have the opportunity to apply. If selected, the students will be honored during 10 regional ceremonies with an audience of influential community leaders, receive grants for their education or for an idea or project to impact their communities, and funneled into the award-winning LOFT (Latinos On Fast Track) program as they attend college and enter their careers.

Connecticut Students for a Dream – C4D Scholarship (Deadline 10/17/2015)

Connecticut Students for a Dream (C4D) was founded in 2010 by a group of undocumented students and allies from across Connecticut. Initially coming together to advocate for the Federal DREAM Act, to this day we continue our work for educational equity. This scholarship was created to help undocumented immigrant students that are pursuing higher education but have limited financial help due to their immigration status.

BBG Communications –   Youth Volunteer Scholarship Award (Deadline 11/29/2015)

BBG provides the Youth Volunteer Scholarship Award to recognize and reward a student who demonstrates a passion for volunteering, while maintaining a high level of academic achievement.

Wiley CPAexcel – Accounting Student Scholarship Program (Deadline 11/30/2015)

1 Grand Prize winner wins $2,500 Cash Scholarship plus the Wiley CPAexcel Gold CPA Review Course ($1,800 value) plus free shipping. 5 First Prize winners win the Wiley CPAexcel Gold CPA Review Course ($1,800 value) plus free shipping.

Western Michigan University – Foundation Scholarship (Deadline 12/04/2015)

Value: $12,500 annually ($50,000 total award). For first-time freshman students entering fall 2016 who have verified financial need based on one or more of the criteria, including undocumented status.

Princeton University –The Princeton Prize in Race Relations (Deadline 01/31/2016)

There is perhaps no greater challenge facing our country than increasing understanding and cooperation among people of different racial backgrounds. It is a challenge that every new generation encounters. We therefore believe that young people have a particularly important role to play, and hope, through the Princeton Prize, to recognize and encourage young people who have made or are making efforts to improve racial harmony.

Barbara Wiedner & Dorothy Vandercook Memorial Scholarship Foundation, Inc. – Peace Scholarships(Deadline 03/01/2016)

Awards of $250 or $500 for high school seniors and college freshmen with demonstrated leadership and personal initiative in activities involving: Peace and Social Justice, Nuclear Disarmament, and/or Conflict Resolution.

Geneseo Migrant Center – Robert Apicella Good Samaritan Migrant Scholarship (Deadline04/15/2016)

The purpose of this scholarship is to recognize a migrant farmworker senior high school student from New York State needing post-secondary scholarship assistance who has demonstrated a caring and giving attitude toward another individual or community with a $500 scholarship.

Geneseo Migrant Center – Leah Levy Memorial Scholarship (Deadline 04/15/2016)

The purpose of this scholarship is to serve as a memorial to Leah Levy, educator, tutor, advocate, and friend to the migrant community, by offering an annual award in the amount of up to $500 for post-secondary scholarship assistance to a migrant farmworker senior high school student attending a high school in Columbia County, New York. The student should have demonstrated a caring attitude toward others or the community.

Geneseo Migrant Center – Migrant Farmworker Baccalaureate Scholarship (Deadline07/01/2016)

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial support to a deserving student with a history of migrating for employment in agriculture who has successfully completed one year of college. This support will cover expenses beyond what the youth is entitled to in federal/state and other scholarship assistance. This scholarship is designed to assist the youth in obtaining a baccalaureate degree without being encumbered with substantial debt.

Geneseo Migrant Center – Juanita Crippen Memorial Scholarship (Deadline 04/30/2016)

The purpose of this scholarship is to recognize a senior high school student from a migrant farmworker family in Franklin, St. Lawrence, or Clinton Counties in New York State needing post-secondary scholarship assistance who has demonstrated a caring and giving attitude toward another individual or community with a $500.00 scholarship.

Undergraduate and Vocational/Skills Training Programs

Soroptimist – Live Your Dream Awards (Deadline 11/15/2015)

The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards (formerly the Women’s Opportunity Awards) assists women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families by giving them the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects.

Graduate Programs Only

Colorado Boettcher Teachers Program – Boettcher Teacher Residency (Deadline10/30/2015)

Having a great teacher is the single most important school-based factor to close the achievement gap. Boettcher Teacher Residency prepares people to have exceptional teaching careers through a hands-on Master’s degree program. We believe the classroom is the best place for teachers to develop the skills they need, so we place them in teaching positions alongside master teachers right from the start.  Every day, our resident teachers pour themselves into teaching students, all the while fulfilling their own coursework requirements for a master’s degree.

The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans – 2016 Scholarship (Deadline11/01/2015)

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans program honors the contribution of immigrants to the United States. Every year, we invest in the graduate education of 30 New Americans – immigrants and children of immigrants – who are poised to make significant contributions to US society, culture, or their academic fields.

Heinz College and HACU – HACU-HSI Alumni Scholarship (Deadline 01/10/2016)

The Heinz College-HSI Alumni Scholarships are awarded at the time of admission (no separate application is necessary). Eligible students will receive a scholarship of at least $6,000 per semester while enrolled as a full-time student. To be considered for this scholarship award, an eligible applicant should indicate their affiliation with an HSI within the application for admission.

MBAs

Forte Foundation – Forte Fellows Program (No Deadline)

If you would like to be considered for a fellowship, you must first submit an MBA application to a participating school. All schools grant awards for full-time students.  Part-time and executive awards are available at select schools. If you are interested in learning more about the Forté Fellowship program at any of our sponsor schools, please contact an admissions representative.

Art

Geneseo Migrant Center – Berrien Fragos Thorn Arts Scholarships for Migrant Farmworkers (Deadline 11/01/2015)

Funded by a bequest from Berrien Fragos Thorn, creative arts scholarships have been initiated in order to foster and encourage the creative talents of individuals with a history of migration to obtain work in agriculture. Eligible applicants must demonstrate an interest in pursuing further development of their talents in one of the eligible disciplines.

Study Abroad Programs

California-Mexico Studies Center – Dreamers Study Abroad Winter 2015 (Deadline 09/15/2015)

The California-Mexico Dreamers Study Abroad Program will offer 25 Dreamers from colleges and universities in the Los Angeles area a unique 3-week Travel-Study opportunity to visit Mexico from December 17, 2015 to January 11, 2016 with most expenses covered by a grant from JUNTOS PODEMOS to the California-Mexico Studies Center. should have the opportunity to compete for resources that would make their educational dreams a reality.

If you would like to include scholarships, resources, news or events in future blogs please email them to Mayu Takeda, Generation Progress Advocacy Associate at mtakeda@americanprogress.org, or Laura Bohorquez, Dream Educational Empowerment Program (DEEP) Coordinator at laura@unitedwedream.org.

We encourage you to keep updated on news, events and resources by following the Ed4all blog and the UWD DEEP resource page.

Scholarship Resources

Undergraduate and Graduate Programs

Coffeeforless.com – Hit the Books Scholarship (Deadline 09/30/2015)

With 25 years as a business leader in Philadelphia, we at CoffeeForLess.com know that tough times do not just hit the banks. They hit us all, but we must never lose sight of our biggest investment in the future: the next generation of scholars and entrepreneurs. We at CoffeeForLess.com are introducing the semi-annual “Hit The Books Scholarship” as our way of helping the future leaders of the business world meet their educational goals.

Mesothelioma Help Organization – Jan Egerton & Don Smitley Scholarship (Deadline10/09/2015)

The scholarship is available to students in colleges and universities throughout the United States. Our goal is to help the educational efforts of students while raising awareness of mesothelioma, provide information about its prognosis and the dangers of being exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma is a disease that affects men and women – both young and old.

AES Engineering Services – Scholarships for 2015 (Deadline 10/07/2015)

Our belief is that achieving a high grade point average should not be the only criteria for determining who deserves to be helped. For that reason we are offering a scholarship that will be awarded on the basis of character, as determined by evaluated the essays that are submitted.