Search Results

Financial Resources National Financial Aid Resources 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

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.

Elevate future health professionals. Tax-deductible donations to Pre-Health Dreamers can be made through our fiscal sponsor, Community Initiatives, a 501(c)(3) public charity. Community Initiatives' Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 94-3255070. Donate

This report details goals met by PHD during its 2024-2025 programming year and future 2025 - 2026 goals. Published July 2025. PHD's 2025 Annual Report Statistics Get to know a little bit more about Pre-Health Dreamers as well as getting more information on our students! Future Goals Pre-Health Dreamer's vision to help our next generation, immigrant students achieve their dreams! From our Scholars See what our students have to say about their life experiences as well as their experiences with PHDreamers! Work from our Students See some of the work around the immigrant and health communities from our students. MotivatingAmerica's Future Leaders. Check out the Leading campus and other organizational events attended by Pre-Health Dreamers actions. Read More

In 2025, PHD's Pathway Program served over 600 students , through individualized support, cohort style programming and trainings. Overview of our Pre-Health Dreamers student participants, Approximately 90% of participants are First-Generation: 16 % 5 % Over 60% identify as Latino Over 16% identify as Asian Over 75% identify as Female Over 5% identify as Black In 2024-2025, PHD: PHD is a national program. However, 50% of participants reside in California, including: Los Angeles San Bernardino Bay Area Central California Join and supported 4 CA and Nationwide Taskforces that elevate access and equity for undocumented individuals in health-related professional programs and careers. Reached 600 students and 1000 educators its programming. Met with 200 students through 1-on-1 advising; Undocu Launch Pad PHD piloted UndocuLaunch Pad in 2024. Entrepreneurship can be an option for scholars and professionals in the health workforce, as their immigration status will prevent them from applying for traditional employment. Dentists, nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists, and other health professionals can serve their communities and enjoy financial independence with their own businesses or contracts. Learn More A low number (5-10%) of undocumented students matriculating into professional programs Inequitable educational and health access of specialized support for this population PHDreamers 2 0 2 5 Annual Report Newsletter

Home Logo PRE-HEALTH DREAMERS Promoting education and healthcare access for immigrant communities. Get Involved 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 Paving the way for DACA recipients in health care What Higher Education Institutions Can Do to Remove Barriers for Undocumented Medical Students Check out our past 2024 Pre-Health Dreamers' Conference Stats Pre-Health Dreamers conducted over 20 trainings for more than 500 community members in the last months. 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 Service

PEEP Mentor Schedule Check out the events that will make up this year's 2023 PEEP Cohort. Start Now Schedule P PEEP Workshops Optional for Mentors M Mentor Check-Ins O Outward Workshops Mandatory Optional Self-Assigned * Suggested Timeline January 2023 PEEP Intro | Overview Jan 31st 2023 | 7:00 PM EST January 25th, 2023 | 7:00 PM EST March 2023 Mentor Check-In #2 March 15th 2023 - March 29th 2023 Story Sharing: Building your Narrative March 29th 3023 | 7:00 PM EST February 2023 Mentor Check-In #1 Feb 15th 2023 -Feb 22nd 2023 The Big 5: What do you need to get into your school of choice? February 23rd, 2023 | 7:000 PM EST April 2023 Mentor Check-In #3 April 15th 2023 - April 26th 2023 Advocacy Training April 26th 2023 | 7:00 PM EST Heading 3 May 2023 Financial Aid May 18th 2023 | 8:00 PM EST Mentor Check-In #4 May 15th 2023 - May 24th 2023 June 2023 Mentor Check-In #5 April 15th 2023 - April 26th 2023 Training: MOCK Interview June 21st 2023 | 7:00 PM EST Budget & Finances May 24th 2023 | 7:00 PM EST July 2023 3-minute Presentation & Poster Exhibition Heading 3 July 13th 2023 | Los Angeles, California Mentor Calendar

PEEP Outward Events Check out the workshops that will make up this year's 2023 PEEP Cohort. In order to attend one of these events, please RSVP in advance. Limited seating capacity and acceptance will be met on a rolling basis. Learn More RSVP January 2023 Health Careers 101 Jan 31st 2023 | 8:00 PM EST RSVP February 2023 Advocacy Training Feb 8th 2023 | 8:00 PM EST January 25th, 2023 | 7:00 PM EST RSVP March 2023 Competitive Applications : CV Builder Workshop Feb 8th 2023 | 8:00 PM EST RSVP Heading 3 May 2023 Financial Aid May 18th 2023 | 8:00 PM EST RSVP June 2023 Community Self Advocacy June 5 2023 | 8:00 PM EST RSVP

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!"

Changing the Game Pre-Health Dreamers is the first undocumented student-born organization to push for changes in admission policies at health-related professional programs denying students due to their status. 01 National Community Coalition (NCC) Pre-Health Dreamers’ National Community Coalition (NCC) seeks to address barriers and empower institutions that seek to better assist and work with the undocumented community. Through a year-long training, support, and collaboration with the members that serve in these institutions, we will enrich the spaces they provide for the most historically excluded communities. We are excited to have signed on our first member schools: SUNY Upstate Medical University and California University of Science and Medicine. 02 Advancing Public Health Through Law and Policy PHD changed admission policies at nursing programs and other health-related programs denying students due to their status. 03 PEEP: Peer Engagement and Enrichment Program PEEP fosters opportunities for undocumented individuals to become leaders in their professional programs, healthcare, and research through workshops, training, guest speakers, and peer mentorship. After completing PEEP, alums will continue to be offered leadership opportunities to train undocumented individuals to advocate for equitable higher education and professional program access. 04 Changes in admission policies for health professional programs PHD works to inform educators and program decision-makers about California laws and policies that advance undocumented students in pursuing health-related programs and careers. We invite you to join our efforts to create welcoming admission requirements and spaces for undocumented students pursuing health-related professional programs at your campus.

Institutional Guidance: Nursing 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. 2025 Q&A: Undocumented Nursing Students in California DACA, TPS, or no SSN Undocumented students can pursue nursing regardless of their status. Even more, in California, legislation prevents higher education institutions, including nursing programs, from denying admission to students based solely on their immigration status. Although nursing programs cannot deny admission based on immigration status, undocumented students may face challenges in completing clinical requirements if they lack an SSN. This brief provides an overview of undocumented students' challenges when pursuing nursing programs and provides solutions that nursing programs and clinical sites can implement. This document focuses on California policies, Pre-Health Dreamers (PHD) encourage individuals from other states to use it as a foundation for research and advocacy within their regions. Undocumented Students Pursuing Nursing: What is an ITIN? DACA, TPS, or no SSN Undocumented students often face significant barriers when applying to or completing nursing programs. Misconceptions about their ability to pass a background check, complete clinical experience, and obtain professional licensure, especially if they do not have a Social Security Number (SSN), can be particularly challenging. For many scenarios, an Individualized Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) serves as a key solution, helping to fulfill or complete some of the requirements that undocumented students may struggle with due to the lack of a Social Security Number (SSN). This document guides nursing programs in supporting undocumented students in obtaining and utilizing ITINs effectively to complete their nursing programs and receive their professional licensure. Support Letter to Directors of Clinical Programs DACA, TPS, or no SSN PHD wants to ensure that hospital and clinical site decision-makers understand the California laws and policies that have been put in place to aid undocumented students in pursuing health-related careers, specifically nursing. To support the PHD community, we ask all nursing programs and clinical sites in CA to create welcoming admission requirements and processes for undocumented students. Pursuing Nursing: Q&A for Undocumented Students in California DACA, TPS, or no SSN “PHD designed this document to answer general questions for students pursuing nursing degrees in California who are undocumented (without SSN) or under DACA or TPS immigration status. The text provides information regarding California legislation that supports the advancement of undocumented individuals into medical programs, such as nursing. The Q&A also includes general information about background checks without a social security number, obtaining clinical experience without a social security number, and obtaining professional licenses as an undocumented individual with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).” Letter to Directors of Nursing Programs in Support of Undocumented Students DACA, TPS, or no SSN We address the mounting concerns towards institutional leaders in support of the PHD community and educators throughout the state. We cordially welcome all California nursing programs to join us in our efforts to establish friendly admission standards and areas for undocumented students enrolled in nursing programs on their campus. Health Career Pathway Chart for Pre-Health Students in California DACA, TPS, or no SSN “The information below is based on the most updated research done by Pre-Health Dreamers (PHD). Please note that this information is subject to change. We recommend that you use this document as a starting point to begin your journey in researching professional programs. This document was created to help support individuals who have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protective Status (TPS), or who do not have a Social Security Number (SSN).”

We are excited to share that Pre-Health Dreamers' 4th Annual Conference : "Revolutionizing the Health of Undocumented Communities" will be held online from July 25 to 26, 2024 . RSVP 18 states represented at our annual conference Thank you to our sponsors for believing in our mission! BECOME A SPONSOR LEARN MORE

This bootcamp offered in the spring allows one to open their own business to work in the healthcare career of their choosing. Undocu LaunchPad Application Deadline Location Applications open again Spring 2025 Virtual Year 2025 Share Launching a business may be challenging, thrilling, and fulfilling., especially for a student or individual who plans to be a health professional. You know you want to get that degree and that career in health care, but the process may become overwhelming if you don't have a clear idea of where it can go, how to construct it, and how to keep it going. But we are here to help you brainstorm! Returning Student Login IMAGINE Start brainstorming what services your business will offer in the health industry. IDENTIFY Learn what paperwork you need to establish your business. STRATEGIZE Discover how to engage clients and partners with customized marketing. LAUNCH Launch your company and start creating partnerships and providing services. How can you advance your dream into reality? Knowledge and skills you will gain from UndocuLaunch Pad. Transferable Skills What abilities, expertise, or other assets can you offer? You may have picked up a skill while doing odd jobs without realizing it. Discover skillsets that are valuable for your own healthcare-related business. Federal & State Laws Some laws protect the rights of undocumented entrepreneurs across several states of the United States. Plan a Budget Consider integrating both your personal and corporate goals when creating a budget. Will you lease an office space? Will you be working from home? Marketing & Promotions Create your first business flyer and logo. Learn how to promote your services for a specific client or community. Vision and Mission What is your vision for your company? How do you plan to serve your community? Answering these questions will assist you in developing your company's vision and goal. Permits & Insurance Understand the regulations and licenses needed to legitimize your business.

The Prizes. The total prize pool for the PEEP Innovation Challenge is currently offering differing awards for first, second, and third place for most innovative solutions to the PEEP Innovative Challenge. 1st Place $ 1500 2nd Place $ 1000 3rd Place $ 500

Want to be a part of Pre-Health Dreamers programming? Find the right scholastic program or bootcamp for you. Students Peer Engagement & Enrichment Program (PEEP) For current students, past alumni, and those pursuing the next step in their health care education. LaunchPad Open to anyone interested in pursuing a venture in health careers. Resources For any quick tips, Q&A, or other reference documents we have for various health careers.