(Last updated on September 2023)
At My Undocumented Life, we have compiled a list of key information & resources to help you navigate high school and life after high school while undocumented (with or without DACA), including scholarships for college that are open to undocumented students, advice from former/current undocumented college students, and opportunities to work.
We will continue to expand this resource page so please make sure to bookmark it!
NAVIGATING HIGH SCHOOL
Hear from fellow undocumented students in this series of posts about how they made the most of their high school experience and overcame challenges, including advice on how to find support as an undocumented student and how to disclose one’s status to teachers/counselors.
LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL
It can be stressful to think about life after high school, especially while balancing family, work, and school responsibilities. Here you can find key resources to help you find work, secure an internship, or apply to college as an undocumented student.
INFORMATION ABOUT DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
At My Undocumented Life, we have created this page on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to provide you with up-to-date information and resources regarding DACA, including what DACA is, where to find reliable sources of information, the latest news, information on how to renew your DACA, ways to advocate for DACA, and answers to frequently asked questions.
OPPORTUNITIES TO WORK
It is possible to pursue independent contracting or start your own business while undocumented. Whether you are thinking about offering services in a particular area, or becoming a contractor to perform specific tasks and activities, it is important to learn how to navigate the process of becoming an independent contractor. There are several immigrant rights organizations that offer information, resources, and advice about how to be an independent contractor and/or start your own business. We recommend the following resources as a helpful start:
Immigrants Rising created the Independent Contractor Brainstorming Worksheet that provides information, resources, and advice on becoming an independent contractor.
Immigrants Rising also created “Spark,” an online hub for undocumented communities to learn about entrepreneurship, where they provide grants to entrepreneurs, among other opportunities.
NYSYLC (New York State Youth Leadership Council), an undocumented youth-led organization in New York City, created the The Non-Citizens Guide to Entrepreneurship where you will find resources on how to earn income regardless of immigration status.
TheDream.US created the Career Pathways for Undocumented Students PowerPoint deck for employers and colleges to learn more about how to support undocumented students with and without work authorization, and effective practices to support undocumented students in their career development.
APPLYING TO COLLEGE
Whether you’re in your first year of high school or last, it’s never too early/late to start planning to apply to college. Check out these resources to help you navigate the college application process as an undocumented student.
FUNDING FOR COLLEGE
Check out these posts featuring scholarship, fellowship, and grant opportunities that are open to undocumented college students. For funding opportunities with approaching deadlines, check out this page.
IMAGINING THE FUTURE
The transition to life beyond high school can be a really complex experience. Some people may have told you that you can’t go to college or graduate school, or pursue a career, as an undocumented student, but there are absolutely opportunities for undocumented students to pursue higher education and careers! Check out these reflections from undocumented college students and this compilation of posts from undocumented students who pursued graduate school.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The political landscape is constantly changing. Check out this page to stay up-to-date with the latest immigration-related news and policies.
At My Undocumented Life, we have also compiled resources related to your health, legal services, high school, college, graduate school, and Covid-19.
Whether you are looking for ways to support community efforts, considering becoming an organizer, or already a leader in your community, here are resources to help you stay connected and up-to-date, including news about upcoming events, webinars, and more.
DON’T FORGET TO SHARE THIS PAGE WITH YOUR FRIENDS!
Don’t miss out on the latest resources available for undocumented students, make sure to “like” our page on Facebook. Please consider donating to our platform so we can provide more information and resources to help undocumented students and their families. Any amount helps!
At My Undocumented Life we provide up-to-date information and resources for undocumented immigrants and allies. We post scholarship opportunities that are open to undocumented students, strategies for navigating the educational system, information on how to apply for DACA/Advance Parole, news on DAPA, and much more. Most importantly, we want to provide a sense of community to our diverse group of readers. Learn more about our work here: “About Us“
