Chicano Student Programs

This site explains how to apply for the UC nonresident tuition exemption, and provides information on who is eligible. 

Dream Activist Dream Activist is an organization of community members dedicated to passing the DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors). The DREAM Act would provide conditional legal status and eventual citizenship to a select group of undocumented students. The Dream Activist facebook has information on involvement, events, coalitions, and news on immigration.

This page contains information about financial aid and scholarships for undocumented students.

MALDEF’s website provides helpful information for students who identify as AB 540 including information on eligibility, tuition comparisons and frequently asked questions, all in English and Spanish. 

MALDEF also publishes an invaluable scholarship resource guide that contains a wealth of scholarships including those that do not inquire about citizenship nor require a Social Security number.

The MEChA Alumni Association has established a scholarship fund to recognize the academic and community achievement of students who promote “Chicanismo,” a concept that “integrates self-awareness with cultural identity [and includes all] those who acknowledge and work toward the betterment of La Raza.”

The MEChA Alumni Association awards five scholarships of $500 each to multiple types of students including high school and transfer students planning on attending UCR, those currently enrolled at UCR, and different types of students who identify as undocumented, DACAmented, or AB540. Each applicant must meet specific GPA and other requirements. Please email Estella Acuna for more details.

MiRA is a student group at UCSD committed to equal rights for all. For more information, contact Veronica Gonzalez at mira.ucsd@gmail.com

Student organization PODER creates a safe environment for students who identify as AB 540 and undocumented. It also holds the responsibility to educate fellow students, youth, the Riverside community and faculty at all educational levels, about laws that allow undocumented students to continue their education. 

Each spring, PODER offers its own scholarship to undocumented students that have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and demonstrate community involvement. For more information, application procedures, and deadline, please visit California Student Aid Commission, University of California, or email Ana Coria.

• PODER's Instagram
• PODER’s Facebook

Undocumented Student Programs's mission is to raise awareness of the experiences of undocumented students (related to State Law AB 540 and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), and to inform future and current students, and parents, of the resources available at UC Riverside. We understand undocumented students face different obstacles while at college. Our aim is to help students avoid problems that can deter them from succeeding at UCR. Most importantly, our goal is for students to be properly informed of the resources, programs, and activities available to them at UCR and in the Riverside community. Visit usp.ucr.edu.

This link provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding the UC AB 540 Tuition Exemption Program.

This link provides campus resources for undocumented students, including information about the California Assembly Bill 540 and other immigration legal matters.

The UnidosUS (formerly known as National Council of La Raza) designed the "Keeping the Dream Alive: Resource Guide for Undocumented Students," a student-friendly resource handbook to help undocumented students better prepare for post-secondary education options and, in particular, a college degree.

The University of Southern California has put together a helpful AB 540 Resource Guide featuring information on AB 540 eligibility, legislation and students’ rights, as well as support services, scholarships, internships, fellowships, financial aid resources and more. All the information inside is designed to help undocumented students obtain a higher education and succeed throughout their collegiate careers. The guide focuses on USC students, but is adaptable to any university. Read the AB 540 Resource Guide in English.