✦ C.A.N. is dedicated to forging a world where education is accessible to all. With operational hubs in NJ, NYC, and D.C., we champion the humanity, dignity, and civil rights of undocumented immigrants, actively working to reshape the criminalizing narrative around migration and to decolonize perspectives on education, borders, citizenship, and internationalism.
We inspire Undocumented immigrants and BIPOC youth to become passionate advocates for their communities, guiding them in becoming change-makers.
Our mentorship program, led by diverse experienced graduates and professionals volunteers, provides personalized guidance to a select group of high school students and community college students during the college application cycle and after enrollment. We motivate students to pursue their goals and empower them to believe in their potential and skills.
Additionally, we educate our social media followers on intersectional social issues to raise the collective consciousness, build change-makers, and mobilize young people to take action. Fostering community through social media, we share tailored resources, scholarships, and opportunities, creating a supportive digital network for social, academic, and personal empowerment.
Here are several reasons why undocumented students and students of color need support in higher education:
Students of color and first-generation low-income students often emerge from communities grappling with systemic disadvantages and generational racial trauma. These challenges include limited access to quality education, economic disparities, language barriers, and discriminatory policies.
Historically, the U.S. public school system has been influenced by white supremacy and exclusionary practices, perpetuating inequities that significantly undermine students' preparedness for college.
Undocumented and DACAmented students face even greater obstacles in their educational journeys. Comprising less than 2% of higher education enrollment in the U.S., they encounter limited funding opportunities and face barriers from numerous universities, fellowships, and scholarship programs due to their citizenship status. The pervasive fear of deportation adds a layer of complexity to their pursuit of education, while the absence of U.S. citizenship creates substantial systemic hurdles.
These realities highlight the urgent need for comprehensive reform in both the education and immigration systems to foster a more inclusive and equitable society. Advocacy for policy changes is essential to dismantle these barriers and create pathways for all students to thrive.
Since the recent overturn of affirmative action, universities have experienced a decline in enrollment among Black and Brown students. Students of color and those from working-class backgrounds encounter significant barriers to accessing higher education. Factors contributing to these enrollment gaps include limited financial resources, insufficient information about available opportunities, inadequate access to SAT/ACT preparation, language barriers, and bias in admissions processes.
Additionally, the college application process can be particularly complex for undocumented students. They often face requirements for documentation and admission criteria that can be challenging to meet. Many undocumented students also encounter restrictions on their ability to enroll in certain colleges and universities.
Financial constraints can significantly affect students, limiting their ability to cover tuition, textbooks, housing, travel, food, and other essential expenses. For many first-generation students, accessing federal and state financial aid is particularly challenging due to systemic barriers, such as the complicated application process and a lack of guidance. The complexity of bureaucracies and language barriers further exacerbate the inaccessibility of these vital resources.
Undocumented students are required to complete the FAFSA during the college application process but are ineligible for federal financial aid. However, at least 18 states provide state financial aid to students who meet specific criteria. Additionally, most scholarships require U.S. residency or citizenship, which excludes millions of undocumented students from merit-based and diversity scholarship opportunities.
We welcome donations to cover these pressing costs for students in our community, including DACA renewal fees to safeguard DACA recipients from deportation.
Higher education institutions and campus environments often perpetuate biases, micro-aggressions, racial trauma, and discrimination that impact first-generation, low-income, Black, Indigenous, and students of color.
As former student activists, we empower current students to confront bias incidents, express their safety concerns, prioritize their well-being, and advocate for policies and practices that foster inclusivity and equality on campus. Many students of color experience a sense of isolation or marginalization in predominantly white institutions. Cultural, social, and economic differences, along with unfamiliarity with the college environment, can complicate their social, financial, and academic adaptation.
By sharing our stories, our community creates a supportive space where students from all backgrounds can feel seen and heard, fostering connections that help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation. This sense of belonging not only enhances their college experience but also encourages resilience and empowerment as they navigate their educational journeys.
Black, Indigenous, and Students of color are no longer just taking up space in higher education.
We're actively resisting institutional oppression and demanding justice.
College Access for Non-citizens is a non-partisan, grassroots, youth-led nonprofit organization (501(c)(3)), committed to dismantling barriers in higher education.