Dreamers scholarship now available for DACA recipients!
DACA-eligible students looking to attend college have a new financial aid opportunity!
The new Dreamers scholarship provides money for books, fees, supplies, transportation, and tuition to outstanding first-year students who have qualified for DACA and need financial aid. Applications are due by March 31st, 2014, so make sure to apply now!
If you need some help understanding DACA or the Dreamers scholarship, read on and learn more about the scholarship, DACA, tuition equity, and scholarships available to undocumented students that have not qualified for DACA.
Am I eligible for the Dreamers scholarship?
To be eligible for the Dreamers scholarship, you must have a GPA of 2.5 of higher, be applying to one of 12 partner schools, and have earned less than 12 college credits prior to applying for the scholarship.
Are there any partner schools in Oregon?
No, the Dreamers scholarship has no partner schools within Oregon. However, there is a National on-line school, Mount Washington College (degrees in business and information technology), and schools in NYC, Florida, DC, Texas, and California.
How much is the scholarship?
The Dreamers scholarship awards:
- up to $12,500 for an associate degree (up to 3 years or until degree earned)
- up to $25,000 for a bachelor degree (up to 6 years or until degree earned)
The specific amount of aid awarded to each student is determined by tuition, fees, and estimated cost of books (CA students eligible for Board of Governor’s tuition waiver only eligible for amount not already covered).
If you finish your degree culmative GPA of 3.5 or higher, you are eligible to receive a (one-time) Honors Graduate Award! The award is $1,000 for associate degree and $2,000 for bachelor’s degree.
Can I continue receiving the scholarship after my first year?
Yes! To be eligible to continue receiving aid, students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better, remain continuously enrolled at least 6 credits, remain current on all accounts and charges, remain DACA eligible, and meet any other program commitments that are outlined in the Dreamers scholarship award letter.
How do I apply?
Here! First, register online and complete the online application. Then, write two essays: on your educational and career goals (limit 4000 characters, or about 800 words (800 words), and on challenging circumstances that you have faced (limit 2000 character, or about 400 words).
After you have finished, upload or mail identification information, a copy of your DACA approval letter, your parents’ most recently filed IRS form, copy of your current high school transcript (or GED diploma), and a letter of recommendation. If you have already earned college credits at another institution, make sure that you also include information detailing the credits you have earned.
Remember, your application is due by March 31st!
DACA, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is available to undocumented individuals who have been in the United States for at least five years, are currently in high school, college, graduate school, or are an honorably discharged veteran or have obtained a GED certificate, and came to the US before they were 16 years old. Those that are older than 30 or have committed a felony are not eligible for DACA.
Do you need more help understanding DACA? Check out these resources:
From ILGRP
From uscis.gov
From the Dept. Homeland Security
- Homeland Security DACA memo (by Janet Napolinato––former Secretary of Homeland Security)
Not a DACA student? Don’t worry! There are still resources available to you, even without a Social Security Number. If you live in Oregon, you are in luck. Oregon law requires tuition equity for all students, which means that you can pay in-state tuition to any state college in Oregon, even if you are undocumented. For more information about tuition equity, check out our FAQ!
All students, regardless of immigration status, can apply for some private loans. Check out our list of scholarships available to undocumented students. If you still need help, consider a private loan. Many banks allow undocumented students to apply for loans, but be sure to understand the terms and conditions of the loan before you apply. If you are a DACA student, you might also qualify for an institution specific loan or scholarship–call your desired school to check.
The Dreamers scholarship is due by March 31st, so don’t forget to apply!
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