Resources for DREAMers Attending College

By Guadalupe Cruz, KIPP Through College, College Success Manager and Counselor

At KIPP, we make a promise to every child who enrolls that we will help them reach their highest potential regardless of their background and immigration status. I have spent the past three years at KIPP LA as a college success counselor and manager. During this time, I have counseled at least 25 DACA recipients. At the beginning of my career with KIPP LA, I saw these students full of hope and excitement, but now I see them confused and afraid. One of my brightest college students should be fully focused on obtaining her political science degree, but instead she is contemplating whether or not she will have a permit when she graduates next year.

Additionally, it is important that DREAMers choose colleges that are DACA-friendly institutions. In California, the CSUs, UCs, and many community colleges have DREAM Resource Centers on campus that provide access to professional support like counselors, attorneys, and financial aid to cover DACA application fees. On the other hand, there are some colleges in certain states that do not allow undocumented student to attend and do not provide in-state tuition or financial support.

DREAMers, we stand by you and will not give up on this fight. We are committed to supporting you as you pursue your college and career goals. Keep dreaming!

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