College Summit

Author : Melissa Jones

Top Ten Ways to Support Undocumented Students

Posted by: College Summit Education Posted date: Feb 15, 2011

In February and March, many of our College Summit partner schools are busy supporting students through the financial aid application process. But how can our schools support…

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In February and March, many of our College Summit partner schools are busy supporting students through the financial aid application process. But how can our schools support students who do not qualify for federal financial aid due to their status as undocumented immigrants?
 
<img title="Dream Act" src="http://www.e4fc.org/images/247_29469_394625250932_575935932_4782078_2202778_n.jpg" alt="Dream Act" width="247" height="392" />
This post is the third in a series of four to share best practices for College Summit implementation that any school can use to drive college-going culture. 
While the philosophical debate over the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DREAM_Act" target="_blank">DREAM Act</a> and illegal immigration rage on Capital Hill and in the media, youth in our partner schools struggle with a very practical question: how do you afford a college education when your status in this country is undocumented? For many educators around the country, the question is not whether to support undocumented students in the process, but how to do so sensitively and effectively. 
<a href="http://www.e4fc.org/home.html" target="_blank">Educators for Fair Consideration</a> is an advocacy group, based in the San Francisco Bay Area, that provides resources and support to <a href="http://www.e4fc.org/studentresources.html" target="_blank">students</a>, <a href="http://www.e4fc.org/parentresources.html" target="_blank">parents</a> and <a href="http://www.e4fc.org/studentresources.html" target="_blank">educators</a> in navigating the legal, financial, and ethical minefield of supporting all students in attaining higher education. Below are their tips for supporting students in the process.
<h1 class="clear">Ten Tips for Supporting Undocumented Students, courtesy of <a href="http://www.e4fc.org/">Educators for Fair Consideration</a> </h1>

1) Offer hope & encouragement a. Consistently reassure students that college is a possibility for them b. There are simply some things that the student won’t have access to, so be realistic 
2) Don't make assumptions a. Don't ask the student to self--identify b. Make resources readily/easily available c. Ask if there is anyone they know who could use support/resources
3) Know the law a. Understand requirements and process for AB540 in CA, or the laws in your state b. Student should understand how each college they apply to processes undocumented students c. Keep informed about the DREAM Act and immigration issues
4) Help students apply for scholarships a. Continue to research and apply for scholarships b. Student should focus on local scholarships c. Use <a href="http://www.e4fc.org/studentresources/scholarshiplists.html" target="_blank">E4FC Scholarship Guide</a> as starting point; focus locally
5) Help students build a support network a. Identify possible sponsors in the community who might support students financially b. Identify allies/advocates in the community c. Identify mentors/tutors d. Identify support groups/individuals at the college
6) Connect students to role models a. Connect with current college students or graduates, preferably from the same college and field of interest, who have been through the process and can offer support 
7) Help students understand their immigration status a. Use the <a href="http://www.e4fc.org/legalservices/caseanalysisservice.html" target="_blank">E4FC Case Analysis Servic</a>e, or find a local organization that offers similar services b. Preparation for real proceedings c. Piece of mind/understanding about immigration status can make the process easier d. Begin the path to citizenship if remedy is identified
8) Instill Agency a. Encourage students to get involved with student groups/clubs that advocate for immigrant issues b. Help students begin fundraising for scholarships c. Encourage students to raise awareness d. Create and belong to a community of students in a similar situation 
9) Be There a. To listen b. To help problem solve c. To be an ally d. To remind them of their own dreams and passions
And a 10th tip from College Summit National:
10) Ask your College Summit School Partnership Manager for support
a. Your local office will have resources and tips to help you better support the students in your classroom
Here are some other great resources about supporting undocumented students on the path to higher education:
<a href="http://www.dreamactivist.org/" target="_blank">DREAMActivist.org</a>
<a href="http://professionals.collegeboard.com/guidance/financial-aid/undocumented-students" target="_blank">Advising Undocumented Students @ College Board</a>
<a href="http://www.finaid.org/otheraid/undocumented.phtml" target="_blank">Financial Aid and Scholarships for Undocumented Students @Finaid.com</a>
<a href="http://www.maldef.org/leadership/scholarships/" target="_blank">Scholarship Resources @ Maldef.org</a>
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/24/magazine/24DreamTeam-t.html" target="_blank">Coming Out Illegal article in the New York Times</a> 

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