Embedded Files
Please be advised that undocumented students do not qualify to apply to FAFSA or DCTAG, therefore, please work on applying to these scholarships as soon as possible. If a student is documented, but their parent is not, they may still be able to apply.
Click this link for the United We Dream Scholarship Listing for Undocumented Students.
Here are some scholarships and resources specifically geared towards Undocumented Students -
DCPS Goes to College Financial Aid Resources for Undocumented Student
DCPS and LAYC College Guide for Undocumented Students (Spanish Version)
The Dream.US National Scholarship - TheDream.us National Scholarship http://www.thedream.us/scholarships/national-scholarship/
Jack Kent Cooke National Scholarship http://www.jkcf.org/scholarship-programs/college-scholarship/
Golden Door Scholars http://www.goldendoorscholars.org/
Questbridge National College Match Scholarship https://www.questbridge.org/high-school-students/national-college-match
MALDEF List of Scholarships for Undocumented Students https://www.maldef.org/resources/scholarship-resource-guide/#
List of Scholarships that don’t require U.S. Citizenship https://www.nitrocollege.com/scholarships/undocumented-students
College Greenlight List of Scholarships for Undocumented Students http://blog.collegegreenlight.com/blog/scholarships-for-undocumented-students/
EduMed Scholarships and Resources for Undocumented Students https://www.edumed.org/financial-aid/undocumented-students-scholarships-resources/
Click this link for the College Guide for DACA and Undocumented Students
Applying to College
Financial Aid
the Dream Act
Legal Support
DACA resources
Etc.
Resource Guide for Undocumented Students
Immigrants Rising - https://immigrantsrising.org/resource/list-of-scholarships-and-fellowships/
My Undocumented Life - https://mydocumentedlife.org/category/college-scholarships/
Nitro - https://www.nitrocollege.com/scholarships/undocumented-students
Colleges That Provide Financial Aid For Undocumented Students
Colleges That Provide Financial Aid For Undocumented Students
Golden Door Scholarship
Golden Door Scholarship
The Golden Door Scholarship provides significant college scholarships, career and fellowship support, mentorship, and community-building opportunities to high-achieving undocumented students. Scholarship recipients will receive funding for a four-year degree at a Golden Door Scholars partner school (and other schools) beginning in the Fall 2024 semester. Tuition, room, and board are covered at Golden Door partner schools.” The program encourages recipients to attend one of their partner schools, but it is not required. Please see their list of preferred college majors to support.
These are the eligibility requirements:
· “All undocumented students (with or without DACA, TPS, and other temporary statuses) are eligible to apply.
· Applicants can be high school seniors, recent high school graduates, current college/community college students, or obtained a GED (General Education Development) certificate from a United States Program
· Applicants must live in the United States for at least four (4) years before applying for the Golden Door Scholarship.”
For more information or if you have questions, contact the folks working with the Golden Door Scholarship program directly at: info@goldendoorscholars.org.
The deadline to apply is October 1. Applications are considered on a rolling basis, so applying early is helpful!
Access Scholarships
Access Scholarships
Scholarships for Undocumented Students - Access Scholarships
Introduction: Scholarships for Undocumented Students
Introduction: Scholarships for Undocumented Students
At the time of this report conducted April 2021, undocumented students made up approximately 2% of all students enrolled in the US higher education system. By the numbers, this comes out to over 450,000 students.
Because undocumented and DACA students are not eligible to file the FAFSA or receive any sort of federal aid. Depending on your state of residence within the US, however, you may be able to secure in-state tuition rates or state-based financial aid.
Specific State Allowances and Restrictions for Undocumented Students
Specific State Allowances and Restrictions for Undocumented Students
According to NCSL, as of 2019, 17 states allowed undocumented students to have access to in-state tuition rates. Those states include:
According to NCSL, as of 2019, 17 states allowed undocumented students to have access to in-state tuition rates. Those states include:
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Illinois
Kansas
Maryland
Minnesota
Nebraska
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
Oklahoma
Oregon
Rhode Island
Texas
Utah
Washington
Also as of 2019, 7 states allowed undocumented students to be eligible to receive state-based financial aid:
Also as of 2019, 7 states allowed undocumented students to be eligible to receive state-based financial aid:
California
Colorado
Minnesota
New Mexico
Oregon
Texas
Washington
Here are the states that prohibit undocumented students from...
Here are the states that prohibit undocumented students from...
accessing in-state tuition rates:
Arizona
Georgia
Indiana
enrolling in any postsecondary public institution:
Alabama
South Carolina
Ultimately, the amount of latitude varies from state to state in terms of how much assistance you can receive through being eligible for grants and other forms of financial aid.
One solution to attempt to make up for the lack of federal aid? Applying for scholarships. While applying for scholarships is a part of most students' financial plans, this is in some ways a crucial aspect of the paying-for-college plan for undocumented students for the reasons outlined above.
So, without further ado, here is my list of nearly thirty great scholarships for undocumented students!
Scholarships for Undocumented Students
Scholarships for Undocumented Students
(Or scholarships that indicate that citizenship is NOT a requirements (undocumented/DACA and/or other non-US citizens students may be eligible to apply).
GSBA Scholarship Fund
Amount: up to $13,000
Deadline: January 8
Details: GSBA awards educational scholarships to LGBTQ and allied undergraduate and graduate students who are committed to making a difference in the world. Our scholarships range up to $13,000 annually and are meant to provide significant support as you pursue your educational goals.The Earnest Scholarship Fund
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: January 15
Details: Earnest believes in helping people realize their hopes and dreams through further education. To help more students get to school, they created the Earnest Scholarship as a way to award 50 students who best articulate how their education will enable their dreams.
There are no minimum GPA, residency, or major requirements to apply!
eQuality Scholarships for High School Graduates
Amount: $6,000
Deadline: January 30
Details: eQuality Scholarships for high school graduates recognize graduating high school seniors and recent graduates in northern and central California students for their service to the lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender community. Applicants must plan to attend or have begun attending an accredited post-secondary institution for the first time in the award year.EmPOWERED to Serve Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: January 31
Details: All currently enrolled college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are working to improve community health and wellness are eligible to apply. No minimum GPA, although 3.0 or higher is preferred.Ascend Educational Fund
Amount: up to $20,000
Deadline: February 4
Details: Ascend Educational Fund awards scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 to immigrant students and children of immigrants who are graduating from a New York City high school to attend public or private colleges and universities, regardless of ethnicity, national origin, or immigration status.Peninsula College Fund Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: February 19
Details: As a PCF scholar, you will be paired with a mentor through your college career, required to attend college and career workshops, and you will receive internship support. Minimum 2.8 GPA, must be a first-generation college student.The Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: February 20
Details: Three scholarships (one $10,000; two $5,000) will be awarded to graduating U.S. high school students who promoted vegetarianism (includes veganism) in their schools and/or communities.The DREAM Scholarship for High School and Community College Graduates
Amount: up to $37,000
Deadline: February 25
Details: We think of our National Scholarship as the “Pell Grant” for highly motivated DREAMers with significant, unmet financial need. While we consider your GPA and test scores, we place great emphasis on your demonstrated commitment to community service and your ability to overcome the barriers and challenges that DREAMers face each and every day. Minimum 2.5 GPA.Red Thread Foundation for Women Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: February 26
Details: The Red Thread Scholarship is available to college-bound women of international backgrounds who will be entering an American college or university in the coming fall.LAGRANT Foundation Scholarship for Graduates
Amount: $3,750
Deadline: February 26
Details: Twenty (20) graduate and Ph.D. scholarship recipients will receive a trip to New York City, New York where they will participate in career building activities including a welcome dinner with a keynote speaker, three career & professional development workshops, and a scholarship & donor recognition reception. Must have a minimum of 3.2 GPA and MUST major in a field of study that has an emphasis in advertising, marketing, or public relations.
Deadline: February 29
Amount: Up to $16,500 (associate degree)/ $33,000 (bachelor’s degree)
GPA Requirement: 2.5
Description: Scholarship open to undocumented immigrant students with or without DACA or TPS who came to the U.S. before the age of 16 and before Nov. 1, 2018. Eligible applicants must have significant unmet financial need, graduate from a U.S. high school before fall 2024, and intend to enroll full-time in an associate or bachelor’s degree program at a Partner College (see The Dream.US website) in their state in fall 2024 or spring 2025. Recipients must continue to meet eligibility criteria and renew the award each summer to receive the scholarship throughout their college education.
Pursuit of Excellence Scholarships (multiple)
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: February 28
Details: The Pursuit of Excellence scholarship program is a local program focused on high school seniors and community college transfers for whom additional funds can be the tipping point in allowing them to attend a four-year college. Scholarship recipients typically have challenging backgrounds and are determined to go to college.
Deadline: March 1
Amount: $5,000
GPA Requirement: N/A
Description: Scholarships will be awarded to students enrolled in a District of Columbia Metropolitan Area Public or Public Charter school headed to an accredited college, university, technical school, or flight training program with a passion for aviation/aerospace. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and submit an online application form, essay, letter of recommendation, and transcript. Students may reapply for this scholarship each year.
Deadline: March 1
Amount: $10,000 (over four years)
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Description: The scholarship is available to graduating seniors who are DC residents attending a DC public, private, parochial or charter school and matriculating to an accredited four-year college or university in the fall of 2024. The scholarship rewards a student who has demonstrated outstanding voluntarism with funds for college education expenses. Applicants must submit two 250-word essays and two letters of recommendation. Recipients must continue to meet eligibility criteria to receive all installments of the scholarship.
Deadline: March 1
Amount: $2,000
GPA Requirement: N/A
Description: High school and college students can apply for this scholarship, which asks applicants to submit a billboard design that warns peers of the dangers of distracted driving, specifically using one’s phone while driving. The winning designs may be placed on billboards across the country.
Deadline: March 2
Amount: Up to $2,000
GPA Requirement: N/A
Description: Scholarships are awarded to self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) student-athletes that have contributed to the sport in which they participate and enhanced the perception of the LGBT community as a result of their contributions and involvement. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area who will attend an accredited two- or four-year college or university.
California DREAM Act Scholarship
Amount: N/A
Deadline: March 2
Details: The California Dream Act allows undocumented and nonresident students (U.S. Citizens and eligible non-citizens) who qualify for a non-resident exemption under Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540) to receive certain types of financial aid such as: private scholarships funded through public universities, state-administered financial aid, university grants, community college fee waivers, and Cal Grants. In addition, the California Dream Act, allows eligible students to pay in-state tuition at any public college in California.
Deadline: March 4
Amount: $1,000-$20,000
GPA Requirement: N/A
Description: The scholarship is open to any graduating high school senior who both resides and attends school (public, private, or charter) in DC. Applicants must write a 500-word essay on why they believe they are an exemplary student leader. Scholarships will be awarded based on leadership qualities, academic achievement, and financial need. There will be at least 12 winners. Scholarship winners must attend the 2024 DC Student Leader Awards scholarship reception on April 25, 2024. Winners also receive a laptop and backpack. Winners may pursue any educational pathway, including vocational training/trade school.
McConnell Foundation Scholars Program
Amount: $30,000
Deadline: March 5
Details: The purpose of The McConnell Foundation Scholars Program is to identify and support students qualified to bring about positive change in their communities. Ideal candidates are high-achieving students, are among the first generation in their family to attend college, have overcome personal challenges, have positive influence on younger siblings or community members, and demonstrate commitment to the values of giving back and caring for others.
Deadline: March 5
Amount: Up to $1,200
GPA Requirement: N/A
Description: Students in grades 6-12 apply by submitting a video that explains how population growth impacts climate migration, health, or invasive species and offers an idea for a sustainable solution.
Social Justice Scholarship
Amount: $12,000
Deadline: March 6
Details: For graduating high school students of a school in the Sequoia Union High School District or East Side College Preparatory in East Palo Alto, Calif. Must have demonstrated activities or community involvement in social justice efforts that address immigrant issues. Minimum 2.5 GPA.
Deadline: March 15
Amount: Varies
GPA Requirement: 3.0 (college students) / 3.5 (high school students)
Description: Scholarship is open to current undergraduate students and graduating high school seniors who plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited four-year college or university for the 2024-25 academic year. Applicants must come from families with a total annual income of less than $100,000 or with extenuating circumstances such as medical expenses, recent job changes, etc.
Deadline: March 16
Amount: $3,000
GPA Requirement: N/A
Description: High school seniors in the United States are eligible to apply for this scholarship if they (1) have demonstrated a commitment to animal welfare through volunteer work and/or advocacy and (2) intend to pursue a career that will seek to reduce animal suffering and protect vulnerable species. Applicants will be required to submit two letters of recommendation from individuals (not family members) who can speak to the applicant’s education record and commitment to animal welfare.
American Political Science Association Minority Fellows Program
Amount: $4,000
Deadline: March 19
Details: The Minority Fellows Program (MFP) is a fellowship competition for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds applying to or in the early stages of doctoral programs in political science. Eligibility requirements include being a member of African Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, Latinos/as, American Indians or Alaska Natives, or Native Hawaiians community. Minimum 3.0 GPA.
Deadline: March 31
Amount: $1,500+
GPA Requirement: 2.5
Description: The Ethel Payne Empowerment Foundation, Inc. (EPEF, Inc.) awards scholarships to female graduating seniors in DC Public/Charter high schools and undergraduate students who have graduated from DC Public/Charter high schools. Eligible applicants must be pursuing or planning to pursue a degree in journalism. Application materials include a personal statement, official transcript, and letters of recommendation.
The Esperanza Education Fund Scholarship
Amount: $20,000
Deadline: April 1
Details/Eligibility: Applicant must be born outside the U.S. or have two parents born outside the U.S; Applicant must be planning to enroll full-time at an accredited public college or university in the academic year the award is offered; Applicant must be either a graduating senior at a high school in the District of Columbia, Maryland or Virginia or a recent GED grad residing in DC, Maryland or Virginia.SCW DREAMers Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: April 15
Details: Must be a DREAMer with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This is a video submission scholarship. Minimum 3.0 GPA to apply.Best Foot Forward Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 20
Details: The applicant must be a high school senior on track to graduate or a college student enrolled in an accredited four-year university/college, or currently enrolled in a two-year college and planning to transfer to a four-year university/college upon completion. Current high school students in Georgia who are planning on attending college outside of Georgia may also apply.
Deadline: April 20
Amount: $500
GPA Requirement: 2.0
Description: Ms. G's Class Acts will give several advocates for change a Class Acts Care Package as well as a $50 gift card. One applicant will receive a $500 Fleet Scholarship. High school students (including graduating seniors) in D.C. must submit an idea for a community service/volunteer project.
Wize Prep COVID Student Support Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 30
Details: Wize is offering a $1,000 cash scholarship in support of students amidst COVID-19. This scholarship is intended to support students financially through this time so they can continue to further their education. Any student currently enrolled (during the 2020 school year) in an American High School, College, or University may apply.MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: July 20
Details: In recognition of the extraordinary potential of these students, we’ve created the MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship. We’ve intentionally designed this scholarship program to be as broad as possible to match the broad, diverse experiences of international students. Scholarships awarded annually to international and DACA students enrolled at Universities MPOWER supports.MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: July 20
Details: Scholarships awarded annually to female international/DACA students who are currently enrolled or accepted to study full-time in a STEM degree program at a program MPOWER supports in the United States or Canada.Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Program
Amount: $40,000
Deadline: October 30
Details: The Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend and graduate from the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities. Minimum 3.5 GPA.
Dr. Juan Andrade, Jr. Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: November 30
Details: The Dr. Juan Andrade Jr. Scholarship for young Hispanic Leaders seeks to recognize Hispanic students who share Dr. Andrade’s lifelong commitment to servant leadership.
Applicants must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as full-time undergraduate students, in an accredited four-year or two-year institution in the U.S. or U.S. territories, and demonstrate a verifiable need for financial support.Questbridge National College Match Program
Amount: over $200,000
Deadline: mid-late September
Details: We are looking for high school seniors who have shown outstanding academic ability despite financial challenges. We take a holistic approach to reviewing applications, and we do not have absolute criteria or cut-offs for GPA, standardized test scores, income, or other factors.
The National College Match is open to all U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents OR students, regardless of citizenship, currently attending high school in the United States.Science Ambassador Scholarship
Amount: Full-ride!
Deadline: December 14
Details: The Science Ambassador Scholarship is a full-ride scholarship for undergraduate women studying science, technology, engineering, or math, funded by Cards Against Humanity.
There is my list of awesome scholarships for undocumented students! Happy applying (feel free to reach out if you need help!) and good luck!
The Dream.US
The Dream.US
Link: Scholarships - TheDream.Us
TheDream.US has adopted new immigration eligibility criteria! You are now eligible to apply if you came to the country before November 1, 2015.
We offer two scholarships.
The National Scholarship is for high school or community college graduates.
National Scholarships - for high school or community college graduates. You need to have DACA or TPS or meet TheDream.US immigration eligibility criteria and qualify for in-state tuition at one of our Partner Colleges to receive this scholarship. We also offer an online college option. The Scholarship is for up to $16,500 for an associate’s degree and $33,000 for a bachelor’s degree.
' The Opportunity Scholarship is for students who live in targeted, locked-out states where they cannot get in-state tuition. Your eligibility for both is based upon where you live.
Opportunity Scholarships - for high school graduates who live in targeted, locked-out states that do not offer in-state tuition to DREAMers – or bar you from attending state colleges and universities altogether. You need to have DACA, TPS or meet TheDream.US Immigration eligibility criteria and be admitted to one of our Opportunity Partner Colleges to receive this scholarship. The Scholarship is for up to $80,000 to cover tuition, fees, and on-campus housing and meals for a bachelor’s degree.
Other Scholarships for Undocumented Students - Undocu Scholars
Other Scholarships for Undocumented Students - Undocu Scholars
THE CLAUDIA PATRICIA GÓMEZ GONZÁLES SCHOLARSHIP
THE CLAUDIA PATRICIA GÓMEZ GONZÁLES SCHOLARSHIP
Amount: $1000
Qualifications:
Be an undocumented person from a Central American country
This scholarship will help cover ESOL classes, High School Completion or GED courses and exams, Vocational Programs, Transitional Courses, Technical College Courses, and/or College courses
The application will be available in Spanish and applicants will have the option to write their responses in Spanish
THE VICTORIANO MACIAS LUEVANO SCHOLARSHIP
THE VICTORIANO MACIAS LUEVANO SCHOLARSHIP
Amount: $1000
Qualifications:
Be an undocumented student
High school seniors, undergrads, graduate students, law students & med students are all encouraged to apply!
Be enrolled at a higher ed institution for the academic year
Golden Door SCHOLARSHIP
Golden Door SCHOLARSHIP
My name is Asha Patel and I wanted to remind you about the Golden Door Scholarship opportunity. The Golden Door Scholarship for DACA, TPS, and undocumented students is now open!
Applications are due October 15 at:
8:59 PM Pacific Time
9:59 PM Mountain Time
10:59 PM Central Time
11:59 PM Eastern Time
Link to our application: https://www.goldendoorscholars.org/apply-now
Applications are considered on a rolling basis, so applying early is helpful.
Who is the scholarship for?
Students attending college in Fall
Students who have DACA, TPS, or are undocumented
Applicants must be a high school student, recent high school graduate, current college/community college student, or have obtained a GED
Applicants must have high financial need. Strong preference will be given to applicants who are not eligible for in-state tuition
Strong preference will be given to those who are interested in pursuing one of the following career paths: software engineering, nursing, analytics, business, and digital marketing. Popular majors that align with these career paths include math, statistics, computer science, data science, nursing, etc.
Scholarship Benefits:
Tuition for up to 4 years at our partner colleges
Room and board for up to 4 years at our partner colleges
Career readiness support
Mentor and fellowship opportunities
Annual community building summit
BLACK IS BRILLIANT SCHOLARSHIP
BLACK IS BRILLIANT SCHOLARSHIP
Amount: $1000
Qualifications:
Identify as an African/Afro/Black undocumented student
High school seniors, undergrads, graduate students, law students & med students are all encouraged to apply!
Be enrolled at a higher ed institution for the academic year
Scholarship Recipient:
Bunkayo O.
University of Maryland
EL DERECHO A SOÑAR (THE RIGHT TO DREAM) SCHOLARSHIP
EL DERECHO A SOÑAR (THE RIGHT TO DREAM) SCHOLARSHIP
Amount: $1000
Qualifications:
Be an undocumented parent
This scholarship will help cover ESOL classes, High School Completion or GED courses and exams, Vocational Programs, Transitional Courses, Technical College Courses, and/or College courses
You have the option to write your responses in your language
Scholarship Recipient:
Maria S.
California
MARIPOSA SIN FRONTERAS SCHOLARSHIP
MARIPOSA SIN FRONTERAS SCHOLARSHIP
Amount: $1000
Qualifications:
Identify as LGBTQIA+
Be an undocumented student
Be enrolled at a higher ed institution for the academic year
Scholarship Recipient:
Michelle L.
Trinity Washington University
Summer Program for DCPS Students who are English Language Learners
Summer Program for DCPS Students who are English Language Learners
High School English Learner Summer Academic Program (ELSAP)
Eligible Students: Current 8th – 12th grade students
Dates: July – August
We are proud to once again offer unique summer programming specifically targeted for newcomers, as well as those English Learners who are still developing basic proficiency in English in a joyful and enriching instructional format. Language development will be integrated with hands-on content and literacy development. This is a program for students who are learning English as a second/additional language. Students will be notified by their school if they are eligible to participate. A virtual option will also be provided.
Summer Site Locations: Cardozo EC, Columbia Heights EC, Coolidge HS, Jackson Reed HS, Roosevelt HS
For more information go to: https://dcps.dc.gov/summer
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