Resources of DREAMers | benitojuarez

Resources for DREAMers

Applying for college is confusing. Understanding what to study and where to do it is difficult enough, but it can be even more overwhelming for undocumented students who are unsure what their options are.

If you are undocumented, “DACAmented”, or a DREAMer know that college IS an option. As you look through the websites and resources on this page, make sure to keep track of any questions that come up—counselors and college coaches are more than happy to discuss these matters in greater detail.

Also, make sure to take advantage of Juarez’s very own Dreamers and Allies Club. Open to all students, regardless of legal status, the Dreamers and Allies Club exists to support all undocumented students at Juarez. For more information please contact Ms. Chavez (mchavez46@cps.edu) or Ms. Carbajal (emcarbajal1@cps.edu).

Financial Aid

As of today, undocumented students do not qualify for Federal and State financial aid through the FAFSA. However, there are MANY opportunities for undocumented students, and every year undocumented students from Juarez attend college.

Do not mistake the SSN granted through DACA as an indication that you qualify for FAFSA. While DACA does grant authorization for work, only permanent legal residency makes you eligible for government aid.

Institutional Aid

Many colleges allow students to compete for financial aid that is not funded through federal money. Policies regarding the extent of financial aid available to undocumented students vary by institution. For more information regarding policies at universities in the state of Illinois, please visit:

https://www.iacac.org/undocumented/

Below you will find CPS’s guide to navigating the college application process as an undocumented student. While not comprehensive, it does provide information in a very structured and organized way.

https://chooseyourfuture.cps.edu/high-school-college-career/undocumented-students/

Finally, please look through Documenting the Pathway to College: A Handbook for Undocumented Strudents, found here:

http://www.actonadream.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Documenting-the-Pathway-to-College-10-30.pdf

Documenting the Pathway provides an overview of steps undocumented students should be taking throughout high school to be successful in your senior year.

Scholarships Links

From CPS

Chicano Organizing & Research in Education–Que Llueva Café Scholarship

http://www.ca-core.org/que_llueva_cafe_scholarship_program

Get Ready for College

http://www.getreadyforcollege.org/pdfGR/ScholarshipsUndocumented.pdf

Illinois Latino Council of Higher Education (ILACHE)

http://ilache.com/scholarship.html

Immigrant Youth Financial Resource Guide

http://www.iyjl.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/IYJL-Immigrant-Youth-Fina…

FastWeb

www.fastweb.org