BIG THINGS HAVE DETERMINED BEGINNINGS...
Pre-Health Dreamers (PHD) began in 2012 when three undocumented youth in the San Francisco Bay Area came together to address a critical gap: the lack of comprehensive support for undocumented students pursuing graduate and professional education. What began informally grew into a national organization supporting undocumented students pursuing careers in health care.
Our Mission
Pre-Health Dreamers (PHD) promotes a culture of inclusion in higher education and healthcare by working with institutions to establish equitable holistic support and processes for undocumented communities. PHD empowers and equips students to skillfully use their voices to create a meaningful connection with higher education and professional programs.
PHD has witnessed first-hand the lack of resources available for undocumented students pursuing health-related professional programs, like medicine, dentistry, nursing, research, and more. Even more, PHD participants show us that the barriers from ten years ago still exist today for traditionally underrepresented communities. We are empowered to support the community and strive to change the education and healthcare system for all immigrants.
Our Vision
PHD believes that immigration status should not exclude anyone from pursuing their dreams of higher education, careers, and contributing to their communities. PHD envisions a healthcare system that is accessible and welcoming to all regardless of their immigration status.
PHD’s programs encourage equitable access, educational opportunities, and resources for traditionally underrepresented communities. We believe that by providing a continuity of support and training for undocumented pre-health students and health professionals, we will positively impact the health care services that undocumented communities receive.
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Our team provides:
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Student advising and advocacy support through Pathways
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National peer-support network and resources
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Institutional advocacy in higher education and health care through UndocuEdu
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A platform that elevates immigrant-friendly policy and legislation.
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Our interdepartmental collaborations address barriers and challenges from distinctive angles and at different levels. PHD adapts to the unique adversities that arise for individuals with complex immigration circumstances to best serve our diverse immigrant population.
