For higher education institutions interested in examining funding opportunities for its undocumented students, it is important to ensure that a fellowship or internship opportunity is not an employment relationship:
“Institutions may be able to provide internship stipends to students who accept off-campus internships. For example, students who accept an unpaid internship to further their study/training can be eligible to receive a living stipend to help offset living costs associated with being in an unpaid status. The funding allows the student to remain focused on the learning and training associated with the internship. Unpaid internships are a very specific type of opportunity in labor law that is of benefit to the intern and not necessarily the organization/company. To receive an internship stipend or a living stipend, the internship must focus on training, should incorporate a learning component, and may in no way constitute an employment relationship.” (Excerpt from pg. 7 of Higher Education Guide to Funding Opportunities for Undocumented Students).
Resources:
- FAQ on Experiential and Funding Opportunities for Undocumented Students (Presidents’ Alliance, 2021). This document provides campuses and their legal counsel with information on developing nonemployment-based, funded experiential opportunities for undocumented students.
- Creating Fellowship Programs: For Educational Institutions (Immigrants Rising). An overview of fellowships, which are often used in an educational context to support students in their studies or professional development and can provide a sum of money.
- Higher Education Guide to Funding Opportunities for Undocumented Students (Presidents’ Alliance, 2020).
- FAQ: Non-Employment-Based Educational Funding Opportunities – Presidents’ Alliance (Presidents’ Alliance, 2018).
- Pomona College Internship Program (PCIP): Summer Experience, International & Domestic (Pomona College in Claremont, California). Example of a successful program.
- Campus Fellowships for Experiential Learning (Pomona College in Claremont, California).
- Income Generation Options for Undocumented Students Toolkit (Immigrants Rising, University of California).
For more information about the initiative or to add resources, contact info@presidentsalliance.org.
