Are you looking for 9 Scholarships for Undocumented Students in Florida and also looking for financial assistance for higher education? This guide focuses on 9 Scholarships for Undocumented Students in Florida that could be your ticket to a university degree. In the Sunshine State of Florida, there are currently 911,356 undocumented immigrants, according to data from the Higher ED Immigration Portal. For many of these individuals, the idea of pursuing higher education seems daunting, especially due to the strict eligibility requirements of programs like DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). But all is not lost. There are scholarships for undocumented students in Florida that can ease the financial burden of higher education.
So, if you’re an undocumented student in Florida, don’t lose hope. Numerous opportunities are within reach, and today we will explore 9 scholarships that can pave the way for your academic and professional journey.
Table of Contents
- QuestBridge Scholarships
- TheDream.US National Scholarship
- Golden Door Scholars
- TheDream.US Opportunity Scholarship for Locked-out Dreamers
- Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund
- The Esperanza Education Fund
- Hispanic Heritage Fund of Metro Orlando
- Law Office Of Jae Lee Immigrant Student Scholarship
1. QuestBridge Scholarships
Worth: Up to $200,000 for four years
QuestBridge Scholarships are designed for high school seniors who have excelled academically but have limited financial resources. The scholarship funds can be used for tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and travel. QuestBridge also helps students apply for free to the nation’s top colleges and offers early admission with full scholarships.
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2. TheDream.US National Scholarship
Worth: Up to $16,500 for associate degrees and $33,000 for bachelor’s degrees
This scholarship focuses less on academic achievements and more on the commitment you’ve shown to community service and overcoming barriers. They also offer stipends ranging from $4,000 to $5,000.
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3. Golden Door Scholars
Golden Door believes that immigration status shouldn’t be a barrier to education. To qualify, you’ll need a minimum GPA of 3.2 for high school seniors and 3.0 for college transfers. The scholarship has helped more than 350 students graduate from college since its inception in 2013.
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4. TheDream.US Opportunity Scholarship for Locked-out Dreamers
Worth: Up to $80,000
If you live in a state that makes it difficult for undocumented students to attend college, this scholarship might be for you. The funds cover tuition, fees, on-campus housing, and meals at one of their Partner Colleges for a bachelor’s degree.
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5. Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
Worth: Up to $15,000 annually
This scholarship is specifically for those actively working towards social justice. The maximum grant amount is $15,000, but the average is around $7,500.
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6. Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Worth: Up to $5,000
HSF offers a large number of scholarships—around 10,000 annually. Recipients will also have access to various Scholar Support Services such as career services, mentorship, and leadership development.
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7. The Esperanza Education Fund
Worth: Ranges from $3,000 to $16,000
Not only does this scholarship offer financial aid, but it also provides mentorship. The scholarship is designed for immigrants or the children of immigrants planning to attend college full-time.
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8. Hispanic Heritage Fund of Metro Orlando
This scholarship focuses on supporting Hispanic students in Central Florida. You must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and plan to enroll full-time in a four-year university program.
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9. Law Office Of Jae Lee Immigrant Student Scholarship
Worth: $1,000 per semester
This scholarship is open to first or second-generation immigrants from low-income families, and you don’t have to be a law student to qualify. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for eligibility.
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Important Facts About Undocumented Students
- 408,000 undocumented students are enrolled in U.S. colleges, making up 1.9% of all college students.
- The racial breakdown includes 46% Hispanic, 27% Asian, nearly 14% Black, and 10% White.
- Only about 10% of undocumented high school graduates continue on to college.
Conclusion
While challenges abound, undocumented students in Florida have a range of scholarship options that can make the dream of higher education a reality. From the QuestBridge Scholarships to the Law Office of Jae Lee Immigrant Student Scholarship, these are more than financial aids; they are lifelines to future opportunities.
As the numbers of undocumented students in Florida and across the United States continue to rise, it’s crucial to remember that scholarships like these play a significant role in shaping futures. So if you are or know an undocumented student in Florida, share this valuable information and make the first step toward a brighter future today.
