What Types of Scholarships for DACA Recipients Could You Apply for?
As a DACA student applying for a scholarship, there are a few options to think about. Do you have excellent grades? A talent? Are you pursuing a degree in a specific field? Do you volunteer anywhere?
Many DACA scholarships look at financial need but may also have other criteria. For instance, you can seek a scholarship that asks for creativity. The Create Real Impact Scholarship is open to DACA recipients. Awards go to students who come up with an original work that aims to solve reckless driving.
Also, there are many scholarships for DACA students with defined majors.Prospective Educator Scholarships are one such option. One time and renewable awards range from $500 to $5000. You need to be a high school student majoring in education. But you do not need U.S. citizenship.
Scholarships for DACA graduate students are also available. One such program is the Davis Putter Scholarship. These need based grants go to U.S. residents studying and active in civil rights and justice. Each grant awards up to $15,000. You can apply as an undergrad too.
WHERE TO FIND SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DACA AND UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS?
Scholarships for undocumented students could be provided through state programs and certain colleges. Many nonprofits and local businesses try to support DACA students as well.
According to USCIS, there are about 643,000 people who have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals in 2020. Two thirds are 25 years old or under. But without financial aid, DACA students may have a hard time paying for college. Some states could also make undocumented students pay the same tuition as an international student. These are Alabama, South Carolina, and Georgia. However, they deny Dreamers access to in state tuition.
Can DACA Recipients get free college?
There are several colleges in the U.S. that do support undocumented/DACA students. They show this in their admission process, with financial aid and scholarships.
Some also provide services, resources, and support for undocumented students. An example of DACA scholarship is the Danbury Latino Scholarship Fund. There are 20 awards of $1,000 each year.
States where DACA students receive in state tuition
Also, at least 18 states, DACA students are able to receive in state tuition. At least six states allow DACA students to receive state financial aid:
California
Minnesota
New Mexico
Oregon
Texas
Washington
For example, take the California Dream Act. It allows some undocumented and nonresident students to receive:
Private scholarships funded through public universities
State administered financial aid
University grants
Community college fee waivers
Cal Grants
Take away? Scholarships for DACA recipients may find in state colleges with such policies.
List of DACA Scholarships
Check out our list of DACA scholarships. We have 75 awards worth $5M.
The Scholarship Fund provides $300,000 in scholarship awards to qualified Latino students in Arizona and California regardless of national origin or immigration status in an effort to promote their academic success. It supports 10 scholarships at $5,000 per student annually and will continue to do so until 2021.
This scholarship is available for first-time-in-college students who are eligible for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) or TPS (Temporary Protected Status). Students must demonstrate significant financial need, have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher, and attend one of TheDream.US’s partner colleges.
This scholarship is available for undergraduate nursing majors in California who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Applicants must identify as LGBT or demonstrate a record of advocating for LGBT equality. Click here to learn more and apply today!
The Anhelo Project Dream Scholarship will be awarded to eligible high school seniors, undergraduate, graduate and/or vocational training students who demonstrate leadership, academic competitiveness, community involvement, and financial need. Click here to learn more and apply today!
This award is available for U.S. high school seniors or older students who are enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate course of study. Students must be pursuing a career in English- or Spanish-language print, photo, broadcast or online journalism, be Hispanic, and have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
Golden Door Scholars provides DACAmented & undocumented students with the financial aid and support needed to invest in their education and define their futures. More than scholarships, GDS is a vibrant and determined community that offers comprehensive support including career readiness programs, mentorship, and intentional programming, going beyond financial assistance.
Students of Salaam (SOS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Their national scholarship initiative aims to help migrants through education, mentorship and cultural exchange.The Students of Saleem Migrant Scholarship is funded with donations and grants. in hopes of fully funding a student’s post-secondary education.
For over 35 years, Attorney William Vasquez has been providing legal support to immigrants. The Vasquez Law Firm has successfully represented clients in a wide range of cases, including those involving family-based immigration, asylum, and citizenship. The North Carolina legal team also has vast experience helping young undocumented immigrants receive relief through Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival–or DACA.
Through DACA, undocumented students may be able to pursue a higher education in the United States. We understand how difficult it can be for many of these students to receive financial assistance when attending college. Through our Vasquez Law Firm DACA Dreamer Scholarship, we hope to make the dream of pursuing a college education more attainable for these students.
The Vasquez Law Firm DACA Dreamer Scholarship awards $1,000 to two exceptional students each semester to use toward their educational expenses. We are honored to help these students continue to fight for their American Dream.
826 Valencia is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting under-resourced students with their writing skills. Students will be judged based on their commitment to education, financial need, leadership, level of 826 involvement, and character. Click to learn more and apply today!
