Scholarship Opportunities for DACA Students

Graduating from high school is a meaningful accomplishment! Everyone deserves an opportunity to attend an accredited college or university of their choice. As a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, or Dreamer, you may feel uncertain about the repercussions of applying.

Your journey to higher education is likely to come with a set of challenges, including tuition and fees. As of July 2021, Dreamers will no longer qualify for federal aid on tuition. With that in mind, the costs can feel burdensome without the ability to find work.

Fortunately, you have options! There are a few state and local scholarships available. An immigration lawyer in Los Angeles could also discuss whether you qualify for permanent resident legal status or other visas as you plan for your future.

Scholarships:

Both undocumented students and DACA recipients can apply for a range of grants and scholarships. We list four below that might be useful for you or a loved one.

• California Dream Act: Financially supports students who attend eligible colleges, universities, or career programs. An application is required annually.
• QuestBridge: Supports low-income students (DACA included) through high school, college to their career.
• Golden Doors Scholars: Best for DACA recipients, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients, and undocumented students hoping to attend college. *Must not be eligible for in-state tuition.
• The Point: A fund that supports the LGBTQIA community and is also open to DACA recipients

State Aid:

There are select colleges that accept discounted tuition in California outside of federal aid.

As previously mentioned, federal aid is not available for Dreamers. In previous years, if you applied using the Free Application Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, you would be able to apply for a social security number. Once provided, there’s one question indicating your citizenship status. The rest of the process was straightforward. As a student and first-time college applicant, it would be best to first research local and state assistance. 

If you’re hoping to learn more about TPS and apply for employment, you can consult with our experienced work visa lawyer.