TIPS FOR SUCCEEDING IN COLLEGE

FINANCING YOUR EDUCATION

Affording school is not a matter of "making thousands of dollars, but of saving pennies".  As an undocumented student, you must be creative in order to finance your education since you are ineligible to apply for state and federal financial aid (i.e., FAFSA, BOG Fee Waiver, Pell Grant, Cal Grant).  Remember, you can obtain a higher education with hard work, resourcefulness, and support!

FUNDRAISING TIPS

Scholarship Tips and Networking

AB 540 Student Networks are a great way to get connected with other undocumented students at your college/university.

There are organizations and individuals that provide scholarships to undocumented students; however, these are limited in number and becoming increasingly competitive.

Students must contact individual scholarship providers for eligibility requirements, specific deadlines, and application process.  Make sure to obtain information from a representative since the information printed on the list may be outdated.  Also be sure to check ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS. 

You should also ask how the scholarship is awarded.  Is the money given to you in the form of a check? Is the money deposited directly with the college? Answers to these questions determine whether the money may be used for tuition only or for housing, food, books, etc.

Begin looking for scholarships as early as possible. Begin your search while in high school, within your high school, school district and local community.

Work:               If you have a work permit, that provides 
                          you the right to seek employment in the
                          U.S.

Stipends:         Undocumented students’ may be eligible
                          for privately funded stipends.

Donations:       Ask for donations from former teachers
                          and/or current professors. Do not be
                          afraid to ask! Many individuals are
                          willing to support you in one way or
                          another.

Fundraisers:    Hold "house parties" to raise money 
                          from friends and family; Organize car
                          washes, food sales, book sales,
                          graduation sales (candy, 
                          teddy bears, etc.)

Scholarships:   Undocumented students are eligible for
                           many private scholarships. 
                           Use scholarships search engines 
                           like www.fastweb.com  to look for 
                           scholarships.