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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

Campus Examples

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.

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