Thao B.A Psychology, MN Chemistry The educational challenges I faced ranged from status limitations to accessibility. As an undocumented student, I often felt disappointed when applying for an internship since many of them required a social security number. Since I don’t have one, I always had to withdraw from such internships. Furthermore, as an undocumented pre-med student, I can’t utilize the advice given to me by professors and upper classmates—who are documented and can go through a traditional pathway to internship and opportunities. Fortunately, since being a program participant of Pre-Health Dreamers, I don’t withdraw myself from internships anymore. Instead, I push myself to question the organization about its eligibility and requirements. I also find myself more confident in achieving my dream and seeing the reality of my goal being carved. Nashelit B.S Biology, MN Psychology and Health Human Humanities At Pre-Health Dreamers (PHD), I found a community of friends and supporters. Nowhere else have I been able to speak of my status without fear, and nowhere else have I received the same level of acceptance and encouragement. Coming from a campus with scarce resources for the undocumented community, I often felt alone and disoriented on how to navigate entering dental school, especially since I lacked the safe space to speak of my status. PHD pushed me to believe in my voice and continue finding opportunities. Thanks to them I built my understanding of pursuing dentistry, expanded my network, worked on my first research project, presented at my first conference, attained a friend that I hope will last me a lifetime, and am finding new opportunities through their dental group. I am extremely grateful for Yadi, Angeles, and my friend Andrea. I couldn't envision my college journey without them and PHD. I'm happy I applied to PHD's PEEP program and grateful to have been accepted. Alexis M.S. Biology The status of "undocumented" didn’t register in my head until I started asking my parents if I could start working. The realization of the obstacles that came with this status came during my college applications while I was in high school. After seeing this, it felt like my world had become a lot smaller. It felt like I was in a tiny room, and my friends were able to move around freely outside this room, and suddenly I realized how alone I was. As ironic as it sounds, New York City, as diverse as it is, did not have many resources or safe spaces catering to undocumented or DACAmented students. Although this has started to change in recent years, the knowledge and experiences that I gained from being introduced to PHDreamers and participating in the PEEP program can only be considered priceless and life-changing. Through their support and connections, I will be pursuing my master’s degree in biology. PHDreamers is more than just a provider of resources to people with different statuses, though. Yes, the plethora of resources can only be seen as a benefit, but through this program, they also helped me find something that I never truly found during my whole academic journey: a stable support system that didn’t just empathize with my struggles but also went through the same hurdles as I did—a community. There are no words to describe the release of pressure from being able to share my stories and hearing everyone share theirs without fearing backlash or judgment. The passion that the mentors and staff of PHDreamers showed during the program and conference to help people with similar statuses inspired my colleague and me to take on the project of creating a branch in NYC to allow others from my city to experience the same things I have. I hope to become a pivot for my future and that of my fellow PEEPs. Basraj B.S Human Biology Basraj is currently a junior majoring in Human Biology. She is proud to be a 2024 PEEP scholar and is grateful for the support she has received. She openly shares that her first two years of college were challenging, but being part of the PEEP program has been a game-changer. With the guidance and support she has received, her GPA has significantly improved, and she is thrilled about the progress she has made. "I am a junior in college. My first two years of college were not the best, but after I joined PEEP, I am getting support and guidance, and my GPA is looking great. I am very excited about this because I have struggled to get it up. With some tips from PEEP, I could speak to my professors about my concerns." Karen B.S Public Health Pre-Health Dreamers has inspired me to pursue various routes of healthcare, including Public Health and Physician Assistant Studies. Through this organization, I was able to meet various individuals who, despite barriers set in place, have defied all odds by going above and beyond in their professional lives. Prior to finding PHDreamers, I knew very few individuals who understood the challenges of our prospective status. Now, I have a large community of people who I can and do reach out to for assistance and support. What PHDreamers has done for me is provide me with the necessary financial, professional, and personal information needed to one day achieve my aspirations of providing quality care for immigrant communities and assisting marginalized birthing people through the maternal and child health sector of Public Health. Truthfully, I was reassured that there are no limitations to my professional desires and that I am capable of achieving all my propositions regardless of immigration status– and as an undocumented latina woman, that means the world. Gabriela B.S. Biology and Psychology As a first-generation college graduate and DACA recipient, I encountered a significant deficit in resources and institutional support while striving to attain a college degree, particularly in my pursuit of a career in medicine. New York City is a renowned city for its incredible diversity and one of the largest immigrant populations, yet it remains one of the areas with the least amount of resources available to Undocu/DACA students. Throughout my time in college, I had limited access to scholarships and was ineligible for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and federal student loans, making the cost of my college education a constant concern. Moreover, navigating the difficult process of medical school applications was made more challenging due to the lack of appropriate guidance from pre-med advisors, who did not have the knowledge necessary to help students with their immigration status. Obtaining clinical and research experience typically required by medical schools presented another obstacle, primarily due to its scarcity and inaccessibility due to legal and institutional restrictions. Although with time I became better at finding my own resources, the constant discouragement and lack of mentorship in medicine were emotionally daunting and oftentimes made a career in medicine feel unattainable. It was only after graduating college, when I luckily encountered the Pre-Health Dreamers PEEP program, that I finally found a path that made a career in medicine feel achievable. This amazing program not only fueled my passion for medicine once again, but it also provided invaluable guidance, equipping me with essential tools and resources to advocate for myself and to become a more competitive applicant for the upcoming application cycle. Most importantly, I found a safe space and an amazing community of people who became like my family. This sense of finally feeling like I belonged somewhere was invaluable, and through sharing that feeling alone, my fellow PEEP colleague and I had the idea to expand PHD to NYC. PHD is making this possible for us, and through their connections, we are now forming a possible partnership with CUNY. Through this PHD-NYC extension program, we want students like us to feel a sense of empowerment, safety, and community. Together, we will change the statistics and make the immigrant community healthier. Chantal B.S Biology Chantal earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and is currently a 2024 PEEP scholar. She has embarked on the path of studying for the MCAT and has embraced the opportunity to connect with mentors and peers in the medical field. Through PEEP, she gained valuable insights into applying to medical schools and has been inspired to become a more competitive applicant. "...[with PEEP] I started studying for the MCAT and connected with many mentors and other students currently in medical school! I learned how to connect with medical schools via email and understood what I needed to do to become a more competitive applicant for medical school!"

Undocu EDU Inclusion in Higher Education Bring PHD to your campus. We’d love to be part of your programming Our presentations are tailored for students, staff, and faculty — and we customize every session to meet your campus’ unique needs Online options available Accessible formats offered Flexible content for any audience Let’s connect and create something meaningful for your community! Email for more information Annually, PHD: 30 Trains over 1,000 educators Conducts over trainings Partners and presents with over 40 institutions PHD has witnessed the need for additional resources targeted to undocumented students pursuing health-related professional programs, such as medicine, dentistry, nursing, research, and more. In the last three years, over 70% percent of PHD participants stated that “it [was] difficult or very difficult ” to find an academic advisor and career counselor who could guide them in pursuing a health professional program while undocumented. PHD is dedicated to supporting these students and recognizes the educators who stand by them as integral to our mission, striving to learn how to serve undocumented students better. 70 % "What an amazing team. We learned so much, both individually and organizationally. I will miss the ongoing consultations but I am thankful for the past year. " Past Member

Undocumented students may be discouraged from pursuing their educational and professional ambitions if they face obstacles when pursuing health-related degrees. These tools can help you research as you begin the admissions process and seek assistance at your campus and professional program. For more resources, join our community and become active participants. Learn more Resources. Resources Educational Aid For our students and educators Obstacles while pursuing health-related programs can deter undocumented students from pursuing their educational and professional goals. These resources will support your research as you start your admission process and seek support at your campus. Health Care Access For everyone Find health access resources and updates for the undocumented and immigrant community. Learn about Medi-Cal access and find free clinics around your area. Remind politicians that healthcare is a human right! Financial Aid For our students and educators Learn about the financial opportunities such as scholarships, grants, and other funding resources that can be given to undocu-students.

BIG THINGS HAVE DETERMINED BEGINNINGS... Informally co-founded in 2012 by three undocumented youth in the San Francisco Bay Area, Pre-Health Dreamers (PHD) flourished out of the need for comprehensive support to pursue higher education at the graduate and professional levels. 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. 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. Our team provides: Student advising and advocacy support through our Peer Engagement and Enrichment Program (PEEP) National peer-support network and resources Institutional advocacy in higher education and health care through our National Community Coalition (NCC). Community training on health care access for the undocumented and immigrant community (NCC) A platform that elevates immigrant-friendly policy and legislation. 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.

Home See our upcoming events Stay informed about our latest webinars, training sessions, and events designed to support educators and undocumented students pursuing healthcare careers! Learn More Thank you to UndocuScholarsLLC. for supporting Pre-Health Dreamers through the Padrino/Madrina Sponsorship Program. UNDOCU SCHOLARS LLC We are undocumented anthropologists who design and facilitate campus-specific professional development workshops that advance the mission of Dream Resource Liaisons in alignment with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) Vision 2030 . Learn More Paving the way for DACA recipients in health care What Higher Education Institutions Can Do to Remove Barriers for Undocumented Medical Students PHD 2026 In-Person Conference, UC Irvine Stats Pre-Health Dreamers conducts over 20 trainings for more than 500 community members every year. A word from our students... "PHDreamers connected me to other peers who helped me navigate the process of securing loans for higher education." -Jessica, M.D. refs Join the mission. Become a member sign up CONNECT WITH US LINKEDIN FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM TWITTER YOUTUBE connectwith us

Home Welcome to Pre-Health Dreamers Learn more Who We Are Pre-Health Dreamers is a national non-profit organization expanding pathways into health care and empowering the next generation of health professionals. Founded by three undocumented youth, what began as a grassroots vision has grown into a national movement transforming institutions, building opportunity, and creating lasting change across the health professions. A word from our students... "PHDreamers connected me to other peers who helped me navigate the process of securing loans for higher education." -Jessica, M.D. refs Meet Our Padrinos! UNDOCUSCHOLARS LLC We are undocumented anthropologists who design and facilitate campus-specific professional development workshops that advance the mission of Dream Resource Liaisons in alignment with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) Vision 2030 . Learn more To learn more about PHD's Madrina/Padrino Sponsorship Opportunity Learn more Explore Our Research, Publications & Latest Events Paving the way for DACA recipients in health care What Higher Education Institutions Can Do to Remove Barriers for Undocumented Medical Students PHD 2026 In-Person Conference, UC Irvine Become A Member! Learn more Follow Us for Updates

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. Our team provides: Student advising and advocacy support through Pathways National peer-support network and resources Institutional advocacy in higher education and health care through UndocuEdu A platform that elevates immigrant-friendly policy and legislation. 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.

Meet the Pre-Health Dreamers Team Execu tive Director, UndocuEdu Lead Yadira Ortiz For over a decade, Yadira has collaborated with students, families, staff and faculty in the educational system to advocate for procedural and institutional change. She has continuously been an advocate for students and works to ensure that students are empowered, engaged and encouraged. Yadira has also mentored students, student organizations and their allies in becoming agents of change for themselves and others. Witnessing the lack of assistance for undocumented students in higher education has pushed Yadira to research, create and establish resources, programming, emergency grants and trainings in the CSU and other educational systems. She has created workshops and presentations regarding the following topics: higher education, the needs of undocumented students, ally trainings, how to establish resource centers, the importance of networking and more. Yadira was fundamental in founding the Dream Success Center at California State University, San Bernardino and was recently the Assistant Director for Long Beach State’s Dream Success Center. Yadira has years of experience in community outreach, advising, and presenting at local and national conferences. She has also been a vocal representative during round table conversations with local consulates, immigration lawyers and counselors to discuss the needs of the community. Project Coordinator, Nursing Connect Lead Maria Navarro I’m passionate about advancing population health, with a focus on maternal and reproductive health for immigrant and undocumented communities. My experiences with the Maternal-Fetal Medicine team at Stanford University and the Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment at UCSF have strengthened my commitment to serving underrepresented populations and promoting equitable healthcare access.Earlier in my career, I worked in higher education as a Resource Specialist, helping establish a Dream Center at San Joaquin Delta College to support undocumented and first-generation students in navigating resources and opportunities. As Project Coordinator at Pre-Health Dreamers, I design and lead programs that expand access to health professions education for undocumented students while supporting them in navigating complex policies and advocating for systemic change that advances equity and inclusion. Our work has been recognized with the 2026 Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation Award for Excellence in Social Mission in Health Professions Education Program, the 2024 ECMC Go Program Award and the 2025 1645 Equity Architect Award, which honors transformative contributions to equity, access, and systems change for undocumented studentsI am dedicated in shaping a future where healthcare and education are accessible to all. I enjoy connecting with others who share my passion for health equity, reproductive justice, and policy advocacy. Project Coordinator, Pathways Lead Angeles Almaraz Angeles Almaraz Villanueva is a Mexican immigrant who grew up in California's Central Valley, where her roots deeply shape her commitment to both medicine and social equity. Now a third year medical student at Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, Angeles is driven by a passion to advocate for underserved communities. She works closely with pre-health students, Latinx/POC populations, and undocumented individuals, with a focus on expanding access to higher education, healthcare, and social services. As a pre-med, she was part of Pre-Health Dreamers as a scholar, later as a mentor and then became part of the staff. The work and advocacy of PHD was instrumental in her journey to medicine. She strongly believes that PHD is a unique space for undocumented students- where their passion, magic and power is celebrated and amplified. She is ecstatic to be back with the team as the Project Coordinator for the Pathways program. Learn more about our programming UndocuEdu, Nursing Connect and Pathways Click here Email prehealthdreamers@gmail.com Follow

The Team Who We Are Yadira Ortiz Executive Director UndocuEdu Lead Maria Navarro Nursing Connect Lead Angeles Almaraz Pathways Lead Yadi Ortiz Yadira Ortiz Executive Director UndocuEdu Lead For over a decade, Yadira has collaborated with students, families, staff and faculty in the educational system to advocate for procedural and institutional change. She has continuously been an advocate for students and works to ensure that students are empowered, engaged and encouraged. Yadira has also mentored students, student organizations and their allies in becoming agents of change for themselves and others. Witnessing the lack of assistance for undocumented students in higher education has pushed Yadira to research, create and establish resources, programming, emergency grants and trainings in the CSU and other educational systems. She has created workshops and presentations regarding the following topics: higher education, the needs of undocumented students, ally trainings, how to establish resource centers, the importance of networking and more. Yadira was fundamental in founding the Dream Success Center at California State University, San Bernardino and was recently the Assistant Director for Long Beach State’s Dream Success Center. Yadira has years of experience in community outreach, advising, and presenting at local and national conferences. She has also been a vocal representative during round table conversations with local consulates, immigration lawyers and counselors to discuss the needs of the community. Maria Navarro Nursing Connect Lead I’m passionate about advancing population health, with a focus on maternal and reproductive health for immigrant and undocumented communities. My experiences with the Maternal-Fetal Medicine team at Stanford University and the Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment at UCSF have strengthened my commitment to serving underrepresented populations and promoting equitable healthcare access. Earlier in my career, I worked in higher education as a Resource Specialist, helping establish a Dream Center at San Joaquin Delta College to support undocumented and first-generation students in navigating resources and opportunities. As Project Coordinator at Pre-Health Dreamers, I design and lead programs that expand access to health professions education for undocumented students while supporting them in navigating complex policies and advocating for systemic change that advances equity and inclusion. Our work has been recognized with the 2026 Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation Award for Excellence in Social Mission in Health Professions Education Program, the 2024 ECMC Go Program Award and the 2025 1645 Equity Architect Award, which honors transformative contributions to equity, access, and systems change for undocumented students I am dedicated in shaping a future where healthcare and education are accessible to all. I enjoy connecting with others who share my passion for health equity, reproductive justice, and policy advocacy. Angeles Almaraz Pathways Lead Angeles Almaraz Villanueva is a Mexican immigrant who grew up in California's Central Valley, where her roots deeply shape her commitment to both medicine and social equity. Now a third year medical student at Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, Angeles is driven by a passion to advocate for underserved communities. She works closely with pre-health students, Latinx/POC populations, and undocumented individuals, with a focus on expanding access to higher education, healthcare, and social services. As a pre-med, she was part of Pre-Health Dreamers as a scholar, later as a mentor and then became part of the staff. The work and advocacy of PHD was instrumental in her journey to medicine. She strongly believes that PHD is a unique space for undocumented students- where their passion, magic and power is celebrated and amplified. She is ecstatic to be back with the team as the Project Coordinator for the Pathways program. Email prehealthdreamers@gmail.com Follow

The Founders. Who We Are Timeline April 2012 November 2014 April 2019 January 2022 June 2021 Informally co-founded in 2012 by three undocumented youth in the San Francisco Bay Area. PHD was adopted and became a project of Immigrants Rising.. PHD launched the first annual cohort of the Peer Engagement and Enrichment Program (PEEP), formerly known as Health Professions Advancement Program (HPAP). Pre-Health Dreamers became its own fiscally-sponsored project of Community Initiatives. PHD hosts its 1st Annual Conference "Revolutionizing the Health of Undocumented Communities". PHD launches the National Community Coalition (NCC), a cohort of institutions committed to expanding their support and resources for undocumented individuals by addressing barriers and promoting systemic change. Denisse Rojas, MD, MPP Founder & CEO Denisse Rojas Marquez envisions a health care system where no individual is excluded. Growing up as an undocumented immigrant, she and her family had limited health care options and as a result, they would delay treatment for illnesses and use free or subsidized health care. Through these difficult experiences, Denisse was inspired to become a doctor in underserved communities that advocates for all patients and is a leader in shaping health care policies. Denisse was less than a year old when she and her family left Mexico for the United States. As a resident of Fremont, California, her family found new opportunities that enabled Denisse and her two siblings to attend college. Her path, however, had many roadblocks. Due to her status, Denisse was ineligible for financial aid and was often discouraged that school counselors could not offer guidance on her educational goals. Moreover, Denisse was painfully separated from family members who, as a result of stalled policies on immigration, left for Canada. Denisse remained steadfast in her aspirations and graduated from UC Berkeley with majors in Sociology and Integrative Biology in 2012. That same year, Denisse co-founded a national organization called Pre-Health Dreamers (PHD) to provide advising, resources and advocacy for other undocumented youth like herself. In just a few years, PHD has reached over 800 members in 42 states. Through Denisse’s leadership, the organization co-sponsored legislation to allow California licensing boards to award professional licenses to individuals regardless of immigration status, given all other requirements are met, and engage in institutional advocacy in partnership with other academic groups. She co-authored an article in Academic Medicine that provides guidance on considering DACA recipients for residency positions. As a result of PHD’s advocacy, more health professional programs will consider undocumented students for admission. Denisse has also been a spokesperson for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that was created by then President Obama in 2012. Her story has been featured in CNN Money, National Public Radio’s Latino USA, and Forbes magazine recognized Denisse in its ‘30 Under 30’ most influential entrepreneurs in education. For her achievements as a New American and her potential to contribute to American society, Denisse also received the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans for up to $90,000 in support for graduate school. Denisse completed her MD at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and her Masters in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She is currently an emergency medicine resident at Boston Medical Center. Denisse has devoted herself to a life of service through direct care, research, and policy to ensure that quality health care is accessible to all underserved communities and higher education is attainable for underrepresented minority students. Co-Founder & Project Board Member Emergency Medicine Resident New Latthivongskorn, MD, MPH Founder & CEO NEW LATTHIVONGSKORN is an immigrant rights & health justice activist, and a family & community doctor. After moving to the U.S. as a child, his family has lived in the San Francisco Bay Area in California. Having experienced, first-hand, the alienation and confusion that immigrant families face in attempting to navigate health care systems in the U.S., he became interested with the idea of working to improve health for all marginalized communities. He is a graduate of University of California Berkeley, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health with a Masters degree in Public Health, and the first undocumented graduate from University of California San Francisco, in the Program in Medical Education for the Urban Underserved (PRIME-US). Outside of academia, his immigrant rights activism has varied from advocating for policies to expand access to higher education & health care, community-organizing with pre-health career students, and federal reforms. He served as a plaintiff in the successful lawsuit against the Trump administration’s effort to end the DACA program, and has been invited to meet with President Biden as the first guests in his presidency. Now, as a resident physician at San Francisco General Hospital, New continues to engage in work at the intersection of immigrant rights, health & medicine, and culture change. He was named to 2017 Forbes' 30 Under 30 for co-founding Pre-Health Dreamers, an organization that works to support undocumented students pursuing health careers. He was named one of “25 Leaders in Action” by Asian Americans Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP), top “10 Asian-Pacific American Influences” by Buzzfeed. New has been recognized for his commitment to social justice and service: the 2017 Excellence in Public Health Award by the U.S. Public Health Service, as well as the UCSF Chancellor’s Award for Service and the Thomas N. Burbridge Award. He was the sole recipient of the Gold-Headed Cane for Humanism in his graduating class from UCSF School of Medicine, class of 2019. He is a co-recipient of the national Vilcek-Gold Award for Humanism in Healthcare in 2021. Family & Community Medicine, UCSF & Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital Co-founder, Pre-Health Dreamers and Project Board Member Angel Ku, Ph.D. Founder & CEO Angel Ku is a Mexican born scientist in the field of precision medicine at Varian’s department of Global Translation Science. His passion to improve the lives of cancer patients has led him to investigate new therapeutic strategies for cancer. His expertise in systems biology has led to him combine both experimental and computational approaches for discovering novel cancer therapeutics. During his graduate and undergraduate career Angel organized with several student-led organization to advocate for access to health careers for undocumented students. He was a co-founder of San Francisco State University’s undocumented student organization and a member of Immigrants Rising Outreach Team. Outside his lab enjoy enjoys riding his bike through California’s beautiful scenery with friends and family. Scientist, Dept. of Genomics & Precision Medicine Co-founder, Pre-Health Dreamers

Reach Out and Partner With Us! Our PHD team would love to connect with you! Executive Director, UndocuEdu Lead Yadira Ortiz Email: yadi@phdreamers.org Project Coordinator, Nursing Connect Lead Maria Navarro Email: maria@phdreamers.org Project Coordinator, Pathways Lead Angeles Almaraz Email: angeles@phdreamers.org Stay Connected! Join Our List Serve today! Want to hear what’s happening at Pre-Health Dreamers? Join our listserv for updates on programs, events, resources, opportunities, and ways to get involved. Stay informed, stay connected, and be part of the PHD community. Address Los Ángeles, CA Email prehealthdreamers@gmail.com Connect

Institutional Guidance: Post-Bacc Academic barriers, such as institutions refusing to admit students based on their immigration status, can present unnecessary stress and challenges to rising students. These guides provide information on how to apply for programs that consider undocumented applicants with temporary benefits, DACA, or other immigration statuses. Pursuing Post-Bacc Programs DACA, TPS, non-SSN This post-baccalaureate (post-bac) program guide was produced by Pre-Health Dreamers (PHD) to assist you in determining if a post-bac is the right choice for you. Students who wish to improve their Grade Point Average (GPA), have made the decision to change fields, or require extra assistance to bolster their graduate or medical application may find that post-bac programs are beneficial. It is possible to enroll in post-bac programs. However, PHD is aware from personal experience that students without documentation face challenges when enrolling in post-bac programs. Pre-Health Dreamers is available to assist undocumented students at every stage of their journey. This paper will go over strategies for reducing and overcoming typical roadblocks that students have when finishing a post-baccalaureate degree. 2019 Breaking More Barriers Report DACA, TPS, non-SSN “Specifically, the survey elucidates the demographics of undocumented students pursuing health and health-science careers, describes the barriers they face within educational settings (e.g. access to pre-health advisors and career advising, financial aid challenges, and peer support networks), provides insights to their lived experiences (e.g. key challenges they have faced due to their immigration status), and describes their career aspirations (e.g. which degree programs they are pursuing and if they wish to practice in underserved areas). The survey was designed to build on previous initiatives and be a collaborative project with continued input and guidance from PHD staff.” 2022 Guidance for Postbaccalaureate Programs on Considering Applicants with Undocumented Status DACA, TPS, non-SSN This document guides postbaccalaureate programs on considering undocumented applicants with temporary benefits or protections while in the United States and applicants without a Social Security Number (SSN). These temporary protections include Temporary Protective Status (TPS) or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). We want to encourage programs to strengthen the holistic support provided to undocumented students pursuing postbaccalaureate programs at their institutions.

BIG THINGS HAVE DETERMINED BEGINNINGS... Informally co-founded in 2012 by three undocumented youth in the San Francisco Bay Area, Pre-Health Dreamers (PHD) flourished out of the need for comprehensive support to pursue higher education at the graduate and professional levels. Today, PHD serves at the national level. 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 centers and amplifies the voices of undocumented and immigrant students who contribute significantly to their communities yet face inequitable access to higher education, healthcare careers, and economic mobility. Through its programming, PHD supports academic and professional development while cultivating leaders prepared to advance equity and transform the systems they enter.. 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. Our team provides: Student advising and advocacy support through our Pathways program. National peer-support network and resources Institutional advocacy in higher education and health care through our UndocuEdu program Community training on health care access for the undocumented and immigrant community A platform that elevates immigrant-friendly policy and legislation. 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.

Media Please learn about PHD's efforts and join our cause Program Updates April 2025 Read Now! Paving the way for DACA recipients in health care No longer afraid: an undocumented immigrant's experience in American health care Denisse Rojas Marquez's Testimony to Senate Judiciary Hearing See our Founder's New Latthivongskorn TED Talk Medical School 'Dreamers' Face Uncertainty With Trump Check our conversation with Juarez Consulting regarding career directions in immigrant populations May 2023 Newletter Yadira Ortiz, PHDreamer's Director interview with Gente Unidas's podcast "Magnificent Mujer" Pre-Health Dreamers' Response to Supreme Court DACA Decision Striking down DACA would eliminate thousands of health care workers, thwarting America’s pandemic response DACA health workers risk their lives to fight COVID-19 while they await SCOTUS ruling "We are medical workers. It is our duty to protect America from COVID-19" | Opinion Piece Thousands of DACA health care workers fight coronavirus — and worry about their fate

Financial Resources National Financial Aid Resources Smart Money Moves, Navigating Financial Aid Securing financial aid for undocumented students during their undergraduate journey can be a challenging task. This document provides an overview for students on how their GPA can impact their financial aid and raises awareness about institutional aid and support. Learn More Financial Strategies Guide to Undocumented Students Provides actionable steps to navigate financial aid, including identifying on-campus resources, applying for scholarships, institutional loans, and funding opportunities. It also highlights strategies for negotiating financial aid, private loan options, and repayment programs tailored for undocumented students pursuing higher education. Learn More Financial Strategies: 101 for Professional Programs Provides actionable steps to identify funding opportunities, collaborate with institutions for financial aid access, and establish partnerships with private funders and credit unions. It also includes strategies for institutional fundraising, expanding aid, and navigating tuition residency and private loan options tailored to the unique needs of undocumented students. Learn More 2024 Scholarship List Scholarships open for students regardless of immigration status. Includes opportunities for high school seniors, undergraduate (community college and 4-year university) and students in graduate/professional programs. Dreamers Graduate Loan Program As you may be aware, Dreamers are currently ineligible for Federal loan programs due to their immigration status, and many Dreamers are discouraged from attending graduate schools due to the lack of sustainable financing options available. The loan program is being managed by a national non-profit organization, Social Finance , in partnership with Funding U , as the loan originator, and Launch Servicing , as the loan servicer. This private loan program offers Dreamers loans at a similar annual percentage rate to that of the federal Grad Plus loan program without any cosigner or minimum credit score required.* Learn More *Please be aware that the terms and eligibility criteria for this loan program are subject to change without notice. Funding is limited and subject to availability at the time of application. Availability of funds is not guaranteed. Self Help Financial Loan Self-Help Federal Credit Union is pleased to offer financing for medical students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status attending certain qualifying universities. Students will be approved for a line of credit to cover the total cost of attendance for medical school with rates and fees based on the Federal Direct Grad PLUS loan. Learn More Pre-Health Internship List Internships open for students regardless of immigration status. Includes opportunities for high school seniors, undergraduate (community college and 4-year university) and students in graduate/professional programs. NILC Map: State Laws & Policies on Access to Higher Education for Immigrants “Provides current state laws and policies on access to higher education for immigrants.” State Financial Aid Resources: - California Dream Act California Dream Act - New York State Dream Act New York State Dream Act - Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA) Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA) - New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application - Washington Application For Financial Aid Washington Application for Financial Aid - Colorado College Opportunity Fund Colorado College Opportunity Fund