Scholarships and fellowships are essential for many undocumented students to pay for higher education, especially students who do not qualify for in-state tuition and state-based financial aid. Undocumented students pursuing higher education need to know that scholarships and fellowships are available to them—regardless of their immigration status. We neither endorse nor recommend any particular scholarship outside of Guttman and this is not a comprehensive list of what may be available for you. For more information about scholarships at Guttman, visit Guttman Scholarship Resources.
Scholarship Opportunities
The Stella and Charles Guttman Community College Foundation, Inc. is excited to partner with the Malcolm Gibbs Foundation to offer a scholarship opportunity to students who are not able to submit the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) due to immigration or citizenship status. This award is open to incoming first-year and continuing full-time and part-time students, and provides up to full-time resident tuition per semester at Guttman Community College only.
These two foundations understand and value your privacy. In order to ensure your information remains confidential, only the Immigrant Student Success Liaison, Jessica Portilla, will view your entire application. The Scholarship Committee reviewing your application will not know your name or any of your contact information.
Click here to apply now! The deadline is June 20th, 2023; however, we encourage students to apply early in order to receive their award notices early.
Contact: Jessica Portilla, Immigrant Student Success Liaison, Jessica Portilla at jessica.portilla@guttman.cuny.edu or (646) 313-8839 for more information.
Klein Scholarship Flyer
The CUNY Becas program of the Jaime Lucero Mexican Studies Institute offers scholarships to CUNY undergraduate and graduate students who meet three criteria: academic achievement, financial need, and commitment to service in the Mexican community.
Award Amount: up to $7000 to cover one year of undergraduate studies or one semester of graduate studies
Eligibility:
- Have graduated or will graduate from high school or have earned or will earn a high school equivalency diploma
- Intend to enroll full time in an associate or baccalaureate program at a CUNY Campus in Fall AND Spring OR If a Graduate Student, must intend to enroll full time in a master’s degree program either Fall OR Spring
- Must demonstrate significant financial need
- Willingness to be a lifelong learner
- Openness to share experiences and accomplishments to inspire other students
Contact: mexican.studies@lehman.cuny.edu or 347-577-4070
For more information visit: https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/cuny-becas-scholarship-program/
The Davis-Putter Fund has awarded well over 1,200 scholarships to students who represent the spirit and commitment Marian, Hockey and Norton brought to the movement for peace and justice. This scholarship is opened to undocumented students.
Award Amount: The maximum grant is $15,000
Eligibility: Must be enrolled at an institution of higher education and receiving degree credits from that institution. Must also be active in the struggle against racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression; building the movement for economic justice; and creating peace through international, anti-imperialist solidarity.
Contact: davisputter@davisputter.org
For more information: https://davisputter.org/faqs/
The Dream.US scholarships are for highly motivated DREAMers who want nothing more than to get a college education but are unable to afford the cost. They have no access to federal aid, limited access to state aid, and they sometimes face paying out-of-state tuition. The National Scholarship is for high school or community college graduates and is considered the “Pell Grant” for highly motivated DREAMers with significant, unmet financial need.
Award Amount: The National Scholarship Award will cover your tuition and fees up to a maximum of $16,500 for an associate degree and $33,000 for a bachelor’s degree, at one of our Partner Colleges. Please note, some Scholars may be eligible for an additional stipend of up to $4,000 (or $1,000 per year) for books, supplies, and transportation. The award is renewable each year – you simply have to meet the continuing eligibility criteria.
Eligibility: You are now eligible to apply if you came to the country before November 1, 2015. GPA and test scores and considered, but great emphasis is placed on demonstrated commitment to community services an your ability to overcome barriers and challenges.
Contact:
Sarina Harty, Dream.US Scholar Advisor for Guttman Community College at 646-313-8071 or
Sarina.Harty@guttman.cuny.edu
TheDream.US@applyISTS.com, in the subject line, please write- National Scholarship Program
or call 1-(855) 670-ISTS (4787) and ask for the TheDream.US National Scholarship Program
For more information, visit The Dream US website.
HSF Scholars who have access to HSF’s invaluable Scholar Support Services are also eligible to receive a scholarship, depending on available funds. Every year, HSF selects ~10,000 outstanding students as HSF Scholars from a broad and talented pool of applicants. HSF Scholars have access to a full range of invaluable Scholar Support Services, including career services, mentorship, leadership development, knowledge building, and wellness training.
Award Amount: $500-$5,000
Eligibility:
- Must be of Hispanic heritage
- S. citizen, permanent legal resident, or DACA
- Minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for high school students; minimum of 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for college and graduate students
- Plan to enroll full-time in an accredited, public or not-for-profit, four-year university, or graduate school, in the US, for the 2021-2022 academic year
- Submit the FAFSA or state-based financial aid forms (if applicable)
Offers scholarships for undocumented students and academically successful who are involved in extracurricular activities and have shown leadership qualities and determination despite the barriers their status presents.
Award Amount: Varies
Eligibility:
- Applicants must have DACA, TPS or be undocumented, meaning currently not have lawful status in the US. You can find more details about eligibility HERE
- Applicants must not be eligible for in-state tuition or federal funding
- High GPA and ability to maintain a 3.0
- Taking advanced or challenging high school classes
- Driven to excel and help others succeed
- Has held leadership positions or is involved in the community
- Actively applying for a variety of scholarships
Contact: info@goldendoorscholars.org
For more information: https://www.goldendoorscholars.org/
The Point Foundation is currently accepting applications for their Point Flagship Scholarship. This scholarship is open to undocumented LGBTQ+ students (with and without DACA) in both undergraduate and graduate programs!
Selected scholarship recipients will receive financial support, access to multiple leadership development programs, mentorship or coaching, and the support of a community of scholars and alumni.
The Flagship Scholarship is for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students earning a degree. The Point Foundation considers many factors when assessing scholarship applicants, including leadership and community involvement, academic achievement, LGBTQ advocacy, and financial need.
Eligible students are encouraged to review more information and apply by visiting Flagship Scholarship | Point Foundation (https://pointfoundation.org/scholarships/flagship) . The deadline to apply is Wednesday, December 7th. If you have questions and concerns about this scholarship, please email applications@pointfoundation.org.
Allows undocumented and other students access to New York State‐administered grants and scholarships that support their higher education costs. The DREAM Act provides access to the Excelsior Scholarship, the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and other state‐administered scholarships.
Award Amount: Varies
Eligibility: If you attended or graduated from a NYS high school, attended an approved NYS high school equivalency program, or received a NYS equivalency diploma, you may be eligible for state financial aid.
Contact: Call 1-844-833-7129 between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, by email at NYSDREAM@applyISTS.com or via chat by logging into your HESC ISTS Student Account.
For more information visit: Step-by-Step User Guide to Completing the NYS DREAM Act Application Apply and review the eligibility requirements here.
Private scholarships continue to be the best form to pay for college tuition and other expenses. Here are some additional online databases with scholarships that don’t require proof of citizenship to help pay for college. The more scholarships you apply to, the greater your chances are to be awarded a scholarship.
Immigrants Rising Scholarships
