Search Results

PATHWAYS | Student Portal PATHWAYS is a four-month virtual program designed to help undergraduate undocumented students who are passionate about pursuing careers in healthcare. The program offers career exploration and focuses on various aspects such as professional development, academic enhancement, advocacy, establishing support networks, and introduction to entrepreneurship. Accepted participants will have the opportunity to engage in online events with their peers to share resources, exchange knowledge, and receive su PATHWAYS is a four-month virtual program designed to help undergraduate undocumented students who are passionate about pursuing careers in healthcare. The program offers career exploration and focuses on various aspects such as professional development, academic enhancement, advocacy, establishing support networks, and introduction to entrepreneurship. Accepted participants will have the opportunity to engage in online events with their peers to share resources, exchange knowledge, and receive support within a safe and inclusive environment. Moreover, the program aims to equip participants with the necessary skills to navigate the application process for their desired graduate or professional health programs in the future. Community building is core to the program, and participants are encouraged to participate in advocacy projects promoting access to healthcare and education for the undocumented community. Apply PATHWAYS Scholar Program Schedule for Students Full program schedule, highlighted with mandatory, optional and workshop events. Health Career PATHWAY Chart We recommend that you use this document as a starting point to begin your journey in researching professional programs.

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

Overview Program Details Checkout our 2023 PEEP Innovation Challenge Projects Over the last couple of months, our student's worked hard to tackle some of the most challenging issues within the immigrant and health care systems. View our three favorite winning projects from the top submissions. 1/7 Problem Pitching Jan - Feb During the dates of January 25th - February 15th, teams will meet at least once to discuss possible problems that they would want their group to tackle. Problems can stem from any three branches: 1) educational challenges for immigrant youth, 2) healthcare discrepancies for immigrant communities, 3) any other immigrant issues you faced as an undocumented student. Inspiration for problem can stem from personal experiences faced as an undocumented student. Brainstorming Feb - March Teams will enter the "Brainstorming" phase after a problem has been identified that has to be resolved. During this time, teams will gather to create and construct solutions. In order to create and construct solutions, may use pre-existing models presented by academic literature and provide their own twist. Poster Exhibition July 13th Los Angeles, California Teams will be presenting their projects via their posters at the annual conference for PhDreamers held this year in-person at Los Angeles, California. After the last team has pitched, judges will deliberate, and winners will be announced at the end of the event. Solution: Building your poster March - June After receiving and incorporating mentor comments, teams start composing a poster that summarizes their process for coming up with an inventive solution. On Scholar Teaching Day, poster templates will be made available at the commencement of the program. Posters will include an introduction, an issue explanation, and a solution. PROGRAM TIMELINE

Health Care Access DACA and Medi-Cal “Enrolling in Medi-Cal means you will have access to health services for FREE or at low cost, including preventative services- like annual check-ups, dental and vision care, and medication.” BUILDING STRONGER CONNECTIONS & A SAFE SPACE FOR UNDOCUMENTED PATIENTS Pre-Health Dreamers' undocu ally training is designed for health professionals and pre-health students. This presentation defines the undocumented community and provides essential national-level data that brings awareness to the needs of this population. Our team will also discuss legislation affecting undocumented and immigrant communities and their access to health care, and how structural competency relates to undocumented immigrants. We will provide ideas for creating a safe clinical space, strengthening the connection between you and your undocumented patients, and developing partnerships that will continue to bring this training to your sites. Please contact yadi@phdreamers.org for more information and to request a training. Building Stronger Connections & A Safe Space for Undocumented Patients Immigrant Health Community Packet “Thank you to the CA-PIF, Outreach & Communications Workgroup and immigrant community experts for the Immigrant Health Community Packet below!” Please contact yadi@phdreamers.org to request a presentation. #Health4All “Pre-Health Dreamers has a shared vision of a healthier community, where everyone has access to affordable and quality health care regardless of immigration status. We are committed to collaborating with community partners in the effort to redefine “health” and “health care” for the undocumented immigrant communities, and to advocate for changes in legislation or policies to reach our vision. Documented or undocumented, everyone deserves to be healthy.” How Can Physicians Care and Advocate for Undocumented Immigrants? “About 11 million undocumented people are living in the U.S. today. This is one of the country’s most vulnerable populations because they frequently do not have access to health insurance and can be afraid to present for care. Physicians should understand the ethical issues that arise when supporting and caring for undocumented immigrants, refugees and asylees. “ NILC: Health Care Providers and Immigration Enforcement Know Your Rights, Know Your Patients’ Rights “The threat of increased federal immigration enforcement has raised concerns among immigrant families, some of whom may decide to forego necessary medical services out of fear that they could be putting themselves and their family members at risk. This factsheet provides advice to hospitals, medical centers, community health centers, other health care facilities, and advocates on how to prepare for and respond to (a) enforcement actions by immigration officials and (b) interactions with law enforcement that could result in immigration consequences for their patients.” California Health Care Resources for Undocumented Immigrants from Hispanas Organized for Political Equity (HOPE) “This resource guide provides a comprehensive list of affordable healthcare options. The resource guide includes services rendered, health care provider contact information, and types of fees.”

Pre-Health Dreamers' Response to Supreme Court DACA Decision Dear PHD family, We did it!! We had a huge win this morning when the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the DACA program. We are elated that many members from the PHDreamers’ community and beyond, were able to take a sigh of relief and celebrate this moment. The DACA program supports nearly 700,000 individuals nationally and impacts even more families and communities across the country. This moment can bring mixed emotions. Many members in the PHD community are not eligible for DACA or have family members and loved ones who were left behind by this immigration policy. We also acknowledge that DACA was never a permanent solution and it does not provide a pathway to citizenship. We firmly believe in the need for a comprehensive immigration reform that benefits all undocumented immigrants in this country. Today’s victory is a battle won from a much larger war that still needs to be fought. We hope to help answer some questions on what today’s decision means. According to the Immigration Legal Resource Center (ILRC) , today’s decision means that the court sided with DACA recipients in acknowledging that the way the program was rescinded was unlawful. Even though the program has been reinstated, it is important to note that the administration can still try to end the program. What the decision means for the time being is that the program will continue with the following benefits: Current DACA recipients can continue to submit renewal applications. Individuals who meet eligibility for DACA will be able to submit new applications. All eligible individuals should consult with a legal representative prior to submitting a DACA application for the first time. Advanced Parole may open in the future, but it is unclear what this will look like given the COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions. For those seeking financial assistance for DACA, please visit this website by RAICES! It is important that everyone in the community take the time to process their emotions regardless of what they may be. However, PHD recognizes that we must continue to advocate for more progressive institutional policies for the undocumented community. We strongly believe that no piece of paper or status defines who you are. We will continue to shape our own futures regardless of what may come and not let restrictive and discriminatory policies hold us down. PHD wants to thank all the undocumented individuals that advocated for DACA to stay and consistently consistently advocates for the rights of all immigrants. For years, many individuals have tirelessly shared their stories to politicians and to the media including hundreds of individuals in the PHD community. Every single individual who was also so brave to share their story to their peers, teachers, counselors, admission officers and others, we thank you as well. Thank you to all who marched and protested in support of all undocumented immigrants. Your courageous work as undocumented young people and adults has been a powerful one and never forget that this victory came with your work. WE earned it. We would also like to thank the organizations and institutions that filed against the administration when DACA was rescinded in 2017. Pre-Health Dreamers joined the Association of American Medical Colleges and 31 other organizations in an amicus brief to the Supreme Court filed in September 2019 where we detailed why the DACA program was vital to health care professionals. We included results from our 2019 Breaking More Barriers report (shout out to all who completed the survey!). Our very own co-founder New Latthivongskorn was a plaintiff in the first lawsuit filed against the Trump Administration for rescinding DACA. And Denisse Rojas, also co-founder of PHD, was the sole witness to the DACA program in the Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing a month after the program was rescinded. Our PHD community was instrumental in this fight. We’d like to share other recent media featuring our PHD community! Including Dr. Veronica Velasquez (Doctor of Physical Therapy), Dr. Dalia Larios, MD , Dr. Cesar Andrade, Drs Andino and Barnal , and Krissia Rivera (medical student at Brown). Today’s news will continue to benefit an estimated 699,350 active DACA recipients residing in the United States. However, advocacy must continue for all undocumented and TPS individuals. Families deserve to stay together. In this fight with you - today and always. Yours truly, Yadira Ortiz, Executive Director Pre-Health Dreamers || Denisse Rojas Marquez, Co-founder, Pre-Health Dreamers || Dr. New Latthivongskorn, Co-founder, Pre-Health Dreamers ||

Institutional Guidance: Dentistry 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. 2022 Guidance for Dentistry Programs DACA, TPS, or non-SSN This brief communication guides dentistry 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 dentistry programs at their institutions.

Institutional Guidance: Medicine 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. Student Populations We Serve: Beyond DACA DACA and non-SSN For over a decade, Pre-Health Dreamers has worked with DACA recipients pursuing medical programs and has supported research, advocacy, and training to advance this population. In recent years, the population Pre-Health Dreamers serves has shifted, and the majority of our participants no longer fall under DACA but other protective statuses, immigration processes, or may not have a status at all. This document provides information regarding individuals seeking medical programs regardless of their immigration status. California Risks Losing an Entire Generation of Physicians: What Higher Education Institutions Can Do to Remove Barriers for Undocumented Medical Students DACA and non-SSN This briefing document describes the opportunities for and barriers to expanding medical professions to undocumented physicians and provides recommendations about what stakeholders can do to ensure that this dedicated group of professionals continues meeting healthcare needs nationwide. Medical School Q&A: Undocumented Students Pursuing Medicine DACA, TPS, or non-SSN “After conversations with many medical school officials, supportive allies, current and graduated undocumented medical students, we created this document to answer questions that may come up when considering your path into medicine and hope this can answer your questions.” 2021 Guidance for Residency Programs DACA, TPS, or non-SSN This guide encourages residency programs to consider applicants with DACA for residency slots as they would consider any other applicant. Upon review of applications, you are sure to find that these candidates have substantial accomplishments and a breadth of life experiences, cultural agility, linguistic expertise, and unique perspectives to bring to patient care. Often, individuals with DACA know how to navigate systems in underserved communities that can be an asset to a cohort of trainees. Health Career Pathway Chart for Pre-Health Students in California DACA, TPS, or non-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).” 2020 Guidance for Residency Programs on Considering Applicants with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals DACA “This brief communication provides updated guidance to residency programs on considering applicants with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). In 2015, we authored a guide that provides comprehensive information on this topic and was subsequently published in Academic Medicine in 2017.1 This update provides supplemental information given changes since 2017 in the legal and political landscape.” Residency for Undocumented Students DACA “PHD is committed to facilitating the application process to residency programs for undocumented applicants by working with undocumented medical students, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), and community and legal organizations. Thus far, we have worked on the following initiatives to support this work…”

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.

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.

The Populations We Serve

This bootcamp offered in the spring allows one to open their own business to work in the healthcare career of their choosing. LaunchPad: Educator's Edition (EDULaunchPad) Application Deadline Feb 5th, 2025 Dates Location Virtual Price Feb 11- March 18 2025 $750 LaunchPad: Educators Edition is a 6-week boot camp that provides professional development by guiding educators, career counselors, pre-health advisors, dream center coordinators, and others in supporting their students through their journey as entrepreneurs in health professions. This boot camp will enhance advisors' knowledge as they serve students pursuing health careers regardless of their students' immigration status, especially if the student does not have employment authorization. This boot camp will elevate educators' knowledge when serving undocumented students who may not know how to use their professional health-related degree and license, especially if they do not have employment authorization or a social security number. Returning Educator Login What is LaunchPad for educators? EDULaunchPad provides educators with information, guidance resources, and skillsets that can develop or strengthen their advising skills when working with undocumented students. This boot camp will be even more supportive if you are an advisor to an undocumented student seeking a health-related professional program, such as nursing, medicine, dentistry, research, and more. This boot camp will elevate educators' knowledge when serving undocumented students who do not know how to use their professional health-related degree and license, especially if they do not have employment authorization or a social security number. Do I need to have any prior experience? The EDULaunch Pad bootcamp is designed for educators at all levels, including those new to advising undocumented students. The program provides foundational knowledge and resources to help you effectively support students in navigating entrepreneurship and building their own businesses, even as they work toward their degrees. How is this course offered? The EDULaunch Pad bootcamp is an online 6-week bootcamp that is hosted by our Pre-Health Dreamers team. If you would like to sign up, please follow the link above for more information as to how to register. For any questions, please contact flavia@phdreamers.org . When are the classes offered? See our schedule below for the upcoming Spring Term. Feb 11: Live Q&A Panel Feb 18: Transferable Skills & First Steps to Business Feb 25: Building Your Student's Roadmap To Success Mar 4: The LLC Paper Mill Mar 11: Financial Responsibilities: Taxes and Invoice Contracts Mar 18: Insurance, SEED Grants & Closing Ceremony IMAGINE Brainstorm with students creative ways to launch their health centered business LEAD Lead your students on the steps they will need to start their business in healthcare STRATEGIZE Guide your students on how to market their business and find clients LAUNCH Launch your students into a successful start in healthcare.

Meet our Students! We are excited to highlight the stories of some of our PEEP participants across the nation who are striving to attend graduate and health professional programs. This 2022 Cohort consisted of 42 participants scattered across the nations. Please get to know our future scientists, educators, and health providers by hearing their stories and learning from their advice below! Anna Career: Medicine I am majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Dietetics, Food, and Nutrition at Lehman College. Recently I graduated from LaGuardia Community College with an associate degree in Biology in June of 2021. My professional goal is to have a career in a healthcare environment because healthcare is a human right. I am passionate about increasing access to healthcare for marginalized communities. In addition to my educational background, I fluently speak Greek, Albanian, and English. Carla Career: Public Health Clementine Career: Medicine Clementine is a sophomore student from Bryn Mawr College. Daniela V. Career:Public Policy Daniela is a Venezuela native, DACAmented, feminist, student, and public advocate for her community in the state of NJ. She is currently working with the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as an office manager connecting statewide Hispanic businesses in New Jersey. She assists with different functions of the Chamber and helps develop strong relationships with various businesses and other community sources to support the Chamber's expansion and development. In addition, she is currently working as the Director of UndocuJersey, which is an organization created to provide educational resources to undocumented and documented students with undocumented parents yearning to pursue higher education. As Director, she works with the rest of her team to create partnerships with high schools, school districts, institutions of higher education, and other New Jersey-based organizations. They have hosted numerous college fairs and professional development workshops and facilitated or presented at conferences. Not only that, she was recently an intern for Councilman James Solomon in Jersey City, in which she worked closely with local policy and campaign work during the 2020 election. In 2016, she earned two associate degrees from Rowan College at Burlington County, one in Engineering and one in Business Administration. She is finishing her bachelor's as a student at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, majoring in Public Policy and a minor in Women and Gender Studies, both from Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Delmy Career: Medicine/PhD My name is Delmy. I was born in Morazan, El Salvador, and I entered the US as a baby in my mother's arms. Being in the US provided various opportunities for my family and opened many doors for me. I received the first high school diploma in my family and am currently a senior in the Bioscience program at Farmingdale State College. My goal is to become an internal medicine physician who also researches preventive medicine. I also want to be able to help anyone I can with any struggles they face in being able to get a higher education. Diana S. Z. Career: Physician Assistant My name is Diana S. Z. I was born in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, to two Peruvian parents. I moved to Peru when I was three and later came to the US after an economic crisis struck our country. I have grown up in a small town in South Jersey. I was able to become DACA the year before going into college. In college, I majored in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology with a minor in Jewish Studies. I was fortunate enough to receive many scholarships for my hard work. I graduated in 2020 with hopes to matriculate into Medical school. However, after further analysis, I decided medical school was not right for me. I aspire to be a physician assistant while working as a nursing aide on a cardiology floor in my local hospital. I hope to be able to apply in 2022. Diana F. Career: Medicine, PhD My name is Diana F. I was born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. I immigrated to the United States at three and grew up in San Jose, California. I’m a third-year undergraduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, majoring in Molecular Cell Biology and a minor in Nutritional Sciences. My pre-health career of interest is medicine, and I hope to become a doctor with a specialty in pediatrics, or I’m open to exploring other specialty fields. By pursuing my career, I hope to increase Latino representation in the medical field and be a source of medical assistance for those seeking care. Often undocumented immigrants or those from low socioeconomic backgrounds receive unfair healthcare treatment, inspiring me to one day be a doctor who helps the community. I enjoy trying different coffee shops, going to the beach, exercising, and spending time with my friends and family during my free time. Edy Career: Medicine Biology and Sociology Major at Providence. Interested in advancing diversity and cultural competency in the medical field. Exel Career: Medicine Flavia Career: Medicine I am a Peruvian-born, American-raised, Hispanic-immigrant woman. Attending university as a first-generation American was a privilege denied to many undocumented community members, so I was adamant about making the most of this opportunity. Admittedly, I continued to grapple with the uncertainty of my status and whether it would hinder my ability to pursue internships and apply for jobs. I graduated from the University of Maryland with a dual degree in (1) Biochemistry and (2) Cell Physiology & Neurobiology. Then, I was offered to complete a two-year M.S. program in Bioinformatics held at the University of Maryland sponsored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. I was one of two students admitted to this program's inaugural class. I pursued my degrees to silence those who told me I should be afraid, apologetic, and ashamed of my status. But more importantly, these achievements belong to my undocumented community, who I turn to for strength and support at every turn. Flor Career: Medicine, Postbaccalaureate program Hi, my name is Flor. I was born in El Salvador, then moved to Los Angeles, then to Houston and finally came to Richardson for college. I am an undergraduate student at the University of Texas at Dallas. I am majoring in Neuroscience with a Business Administrator minor on the premed track. I aspire to contribute to the health field by bridging the gap between what is known and unknown through research and implementing that knowledge to enhance health for all people as a physician. I like to read, do anything fitness-related, and try new things in my free time. I also go by Flower, the English translation of my name. Francisca Career: Exploring Medicine, Public Health, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant Programs My name is Francisca. I'm currently a first-year student at the University of California, Irvine. I'm pursuing a major in biology. I'm passionate about spreading positivity, medicine, cultural awareness, and raising awareness for mental health. I love improving my community and taking action against social injustices. While it is easy to become overwhelmed in the face of societal issues. I always see the world not for what it is but for what it could be. Gabriela Career: Nursing Gabriella Career: Medicine, Postbaccalaureate program My name is Gabriella, and I am originally from Cameroun. Moving to the United States has provided me with numerous possibilities to further my education. I am currently in my last year of undergrad and will graduate in the spring of 2022 with a B.S. in Biology and a Chemistry minor. I enjoy tutoring and mentoring other students of the same background to make education more accessible for all. I hope to gain medical experience to apply to a medical school. I would love to become a physician and specialize in pediatrics. As a physician in the U.S., I hope to go back to the diverse community I grew up in and help eradicate the health disparities that are so prevalent. Giovanny Career: Exploring Medicine, B.S. I'm an undocumented person, trying my hardest to graduate and pursue a career to help save people and advance the scientific industry. Through surgery or scientific/medicinal intervention, I would like to extend and enhance the lives of everyone. Gigi Career: Exploring Medicine, Physician Assistant My name is Gigi, and I immigrated to the US at the age of 1. I have lived in the US for over 21 years, and during that time, I developed a passion for immigration rights. I am currently a DACA recipient and a recent college graduate. Some of my proudest moments have been sharing my story with the New York Times, winning state and national titles in pageantry, and working in the medical field as a therapist for children on the spectrum. Jessica Career: Medicine Hi, my name is Jessica. I was born in Mexico and grew up in Greensboro, NC. I am currently working as a medical scribe at a retina clinic and volunteering as a certified medical interpreter. I graduated from Guilford College with a B.A in Biology and am an aspiring physician. My calling to medicine stems from my desire to be a compassionate provider who raises awareness of preventative medicine and advocates for accessible healthcare, particularly in underserved communities. I love hiking, exploring museums, and being around friends and family in my spare time. Jimena Career: Exploring Medicine, Nursing Jonathan Career: Medicine I am a DACA recipient and have always been passionate about helping others. I studied Environmental Science at UC Santa Barbara, and recently, I have decided to pursue medical school and become a pediatrician. After graduating, I continued to work hard through the ranks in the airline industry and achieved the opportunity to become an operations manager for a global airline. As an operations manager, I connect the world through problem-solving. I enjoy working out, spending time with family, and being a jet setter when I am not working. Juana Careers: Exploring Medicine, Postbaccalaureate program, Dentistry, Engineering My name is Juana, and I was born in Jalisco, Mexico. I migrated to the United States when I was eight years old. In 2018 I earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and a minor in Materials Engineering. Since I graduated, I’ve been fortunate to work in the pharmaceutical industry. My dream is to become a physician and practice in the Inland Empire. I like to ride horses and spend time with my family during my free time. Karen Career: Physician Assistant, Public Health Hello! My name is Karen, I am originally from the beautiful state of Oaxaca, Mexico, but I have lived most of my life in North Carolina. I am a third-year student at Elon University majoring in Public Health and minoring in Biology, Spanish, and Poverty and Social Justice. I aspire to obtain a Master’s in Public Health Studies and Physician Assistant Studies. These degrees will allow me to work in healthcare and provide more culturally appropriate/humble care for Latinx/Hispanic immigrant communities. Overall, I aspire to one day assist immigrant communities by providing quality care at little to no cost! Karla Career: Exploring Medicine, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant My name is Karla, and I'm a junior at George Mason University. I hope to graduate in the spring of 2023 with a bachelor's degree in Biology. I️ want to continue my education by attending a PA program to pursue my dream career of becoming a physician assistant, preferably in general practice or cardiology. Kevin Career: Medicine, Public Health Michael Career: Medicine, PhD, Postbaccalaureate program My name is Michael, and I aspire to serve my community as a physician. I have lived in South Florida since I was five years old after immigrating from Haiti. I completed a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from Florida International University. In my spare time, I love to read and watch basketball. Miriam Career: Medicine, Nursing, Physician Assistant Miryam Career: Medicine, Public Health As a first-generation, low-income Latina immigrant, I have witnessed firsthand how communities like mine have been marginalized and side-lined my entire life. Seeing and experiencing these kinds of injustices make me aware of the shortage of people who look like the community they serve and understand that underserved community. Mughil Career: Medicine My name is Mughil. I was born in India and grew up in Jacksonville, FL. I graduated from the University of Florida with my Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. I am currently working as a research technician in molecular biology and am an aspiring physician. I am passionate about improving healthcare access for underserved and immigrant communities. I love reading comics, trying new foods, and spending time with my family in my free time. Nelly Career: Exploring Medicine My name is Nelly, and I am an undergraduate student at the University of Washington studying biochemistry. I was born in Yucatan, Mexico, but have lived primarily in the United States. I aspire to pursue a career path in clinical research to better understand trends and innovations in biomedicine. I enjoy listening to and writing spoken poetry in my free time, and sometime in the future, I hope to publish my own poetry book! Paloma Career: Medicine Paloma L. is a first-generation student pursuing a Biological Science degree with an emphasis on Molecular Cell Biology at the University of California, Merced. She was born in Mexico and moved to San Pablo when she was six. From a young age, she knew she wanted a medical career, and attending UC Merced has brought her one step closer. She will graduate in Spring 2022 and take two gap years to gain clinical experience before applying to medical school. Her time in the Central Valley exposed her to the health inequities in the region. For example, the doctor shortage. To directly address this issue, she aspires to be a Pediatric Surgeon; her career path will help future generations and improve her community’s health outcomes. She allows her community by volunteering for Golden Valley Health Center and UCSF: Fresno Mobile HeaL to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine. Paola Career: Public Health Paola is a Political Science, International Studies & Latin American Studies student at the University of Utah. At the age of 16, she emigrated to the United States. Since then, he has participated in various state organizations dedicated to education, civil rights, immigration, and community leadership. In 2018, she was named Salt Lake City, Utah Youth of the Year, and awarded by the ACLU national organization. Paola is passionate about history and politics, but she is more interested in international law and public health laws. Paola has participated in research for the College of Law and the Faculty of Anthropology. His most recent publication is based on the survival advantage of men in the Baja California peninsula. She did her internship at the Dream Center at the University of Utah to support first-generation students and students of mixed-status. She is currently doing an internship at Communities United, a non-profit organization that offers health and immigration resources for low-income families. Raquel Career: Public Health I am majoring in Public Health at California State University, Los Angeles. My pronouns are she/her/Ella. I am passionate about community development and addressing urgent societal issues. I am open to new opportunities to learn and grow my skill set and background, especially regarding on-the-ground organizing with various community members. My public health goal is to make people aware of how our resources impact our overall health and well-being. I hope to one day continue to uplift voices and work to find opportunities and resources for my community by advocating for equality in health care. Thao Career: Medicine, B.S Psychology I'm passionate about learning! I put myself in a wide range of fields of study to explore my interests and skills. I'm looking forward to finding learning opportunities through job offers and hands-on internships. My work and volunteer experience have been circulating community work, youth development, entrepreneurship, and healthcare. I believe that being a college student is my prime time because this is where I will learn the most!

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.

In the Media PHDreamers' Director, Yadira Ortiz gets interviewed during Gente Unidas's Podcast "Magnificent Mujer" August 31, 2020 Pre-Health Dreamers Response to Supreme Court DACA Decision June 18, 2020 Co-founder Denisse Rojas' interview with Senator Chuck Schumer May 4, 2020 Striking down DACA would eliminate thousands of health care workers, thwarting America's pandemic response May 1, 2020 DACA health workers risk their lives to fight COVID-19 while they await SCOTUS ruling April 30, 2020 WE ARE MEDICAL WORKERS AND DACA RECIPIENTS. IT IS OUR DUTY TO PROTECT AMERICA FROM COVID-19 April 23, 2020 Thousands of DACA health care workers fight coronavirus - and worry about their fate March 30, 2020 DACA workers on the health care front lines March 28, 2020

Undocu EDU Inclusion in Higher Education In 2024, PHD: 31 Trained over 1,126 educators Conducted over 31 Online Trainings Presented at 44 universities 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 2024, 75% 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. 75 % "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 UndocuEDU Membership Learn More