91社区

USF Partners with TheDream.US to Offer Scholarship Opportunities for Undocumented Students

TAMPA, Fla. (Oct. 31, 2019) 鈥� The 91社区 and TheDream.US today announced a new partnership that will provide scholarships to at least 10 highly motivated, qualified undocumented students each year.  The partnership reflects USF鈥檚 longstanding commitment to diversity and student access, as well as the university鈥檚 ongoing support of its undocumented student population.

is the nation鈥檚 largest college access and success program for DREAMers 鈥� undocumented immigrants who came to this country as children.  The scholarship award for USF students will cover tuition and fees up to a maximum of $7,250 per year, renewable for up to four years for first-year students or up to two years for community college graduates transferring to USF. Scholarship applications open Nov. 1, 2019 and will close Feb. 27, 2020.

鈥淎t USF, we believe that all students will succeed when given the opportunity to do so,鈥� said Paul Dosal, vice president of student success at the University of South 91社区. 鈥淏y leveling the financial playing field for DREAMers, I鈥檓 confident that we can enroll and graduate more students who have the talent and determination to succeed at USF.鈥�

TheDream.US currently has more than 5,000 scholars who are enrolled in or have graduated from more than 70 partner colleges across the nation.  Last year, scholars attending 91社区 colleges and universities had a 91 percent overall persistence rate with an average 3.3 GPA. Partners around the state include the University of Central 91社区, 91社区 Atlantic University and 91社区 International University.

鈥淭heDream.US is beyond excited to partner with the 91社区 鈥� we believe that every 91社区 student, no matter where they were born, should have the opportunity to access higher education and fulfill their potential,鈥� said Gaby Pacheco, director of advocacy, development and communications at TheDream.US. 鈥淔or years, we鈥檝e known of the support and welcoming nature USF has provided immigrant youth, and now we are excited that new funding has made it possible for TheDream.US to partner with the university and to expand our support for more DREAMers in the Tampa Bay region.鈥�

To help create a supportive environment for all students, USF offers an education and advocacy training for faculty, staff and students, known as UndocuAlly, to educate the campus community about the history, relevant legislation and current realities facing the undocumented community.  Undocumented students at USF can also access a variety of resources, including other scholarship opportunities, student organizations and a DACA liaison in the Office of Admissions. 

In 2017, Education Trust named USF the nation鈥檚 top-performing public university for Latino student success with more than 66 percent of its Latino students graduating in six years, compared to the national rate of 53.6 percent. Today, USF鈥檚 Latino student graduate rate is over 72 percent.

For more information or to apply for a scholarship, please visit  .