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).
Campus Examples
- Experiential Learning Fellows Program Proposal Template (John Jay College, 2022): The Immigrant Student Success Center at John Jay College developed a non-employment based fellowship program for undocumented students. This proposal can be used as a template for other campuses to adapt to meet the needs of their students and institution.
- Non-Employment Based Opportunities (Dominican University, 2021): Dominican University developed a non-employment based fellowship program for undocumented students. This website offer great tools and language that other campuses can use to develop their own fellowship programs for undocumented students.
- Rise Fellowship Information for students and sponsors (Amherst College). A fellowship that supports experiential learning, professional development, and networking opportunities for students. The fellowship includes a stipend of up to $2,500 per semester.
- 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).
- SUCCESS (Supporting Undocumented Students’ College and Career Equity: Strategies for Success) Convening panels and resources. The convening was held at Swarthmore College in March 2022.
State Examples
- California College Corps (California). Fellows earn $10,000 for community service and education, receive ongoing training, and become part of a statewide cohort of young leaders across California.
- California Service Incentive Grant (California). Encourages California Dream Act Applicant (CADAA) students to perform community or volunteer service. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) will award up to $4,500 per academic year (up to $2,250 per semester or up to $1,500 per quarter) to 1,667 eligible students.
For more information about the initiative or to add resources, contact info@presidentsalliance.org.
