I'm trying to help my friend who is undocumented and wants to attend community college. Are there scholarships specifically for undocumented students available to help cover tuition and expenses? Any info or resources would be appreciated!
Absolutely, there are several scholarships available to undocumented students. While policies may vary by state, there are numerous private scholarships available that don't require proof of U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency.
A few notable ones include:
1. The 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.
2. The Golden Door Scholars program provides scholarships for DACA recipients and undocumented students. It covers tuition, room and board, and other expenses.
3. The QuestBridge College Prep Scholarship provides awards and opportunities for high-achieving, low-income students.
4. The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund provides need-based grants (up to $10,000) for students who are active in movements for social and economic justice.
Remember to tell your friend that scholarship applications can be highly competitive. She should take the time to put together a compelling application and consider applying to multiple scholarships to increase her chances of securing funding. Applying for scholarships is a numbers game, and the more she applies for, the more likely she is to win one.
Finally, some states, including California, Texas, and New York, offer state-based financial aid to undocumented students. If she lives in a state with this kind of program, she should definitely look into it.
While these specific opportunities may be helpful, it's also worthwhile to research scholarships available at the specific community college your friend is interested in. Many community colleges have scholarship funds available for students who demonstrate financial need or academic merit. These could also be a great avenue for tuition assistance.
Remember to check the eligibility criteria for each scholarship before applying to ensure the best use of time and resources.
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