As an underclassman, it is crucial to get involved and distinguish yourself among your peers, especially as an undocumented student. College admissions committees look for students who demonstrate leadership, resilience, and a commitment to their communities. Participating in extracurricular activities, volunteering, and pursuing internships can showcase your unique strengths and dedication. These experiences not only enrich your personal growth but also make your college applications stand out, proving that you are a well-rounded and driven individual ready to succeed in higher education. Below are prestigious programs to get ahead!
Quest Bridge College Prep Scholars
The QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program offers high-achieving, low-income juniors resources like full scholarships, admissions counseling, and access to top college conferences. For undocumented students, it provides crucial support and opportunities, helping them navigate admissions and secure financial aid. This program is a vital step toward achieving higher education at elite institutions.
Breakthrough Scholars
The Breakthrough Scholars Program supports motivated students from elementary through high school, aiming for post-secondary success. It offers academic enrichment, mentoring, and teaching experiences to help students excel and develop life skills. With rigorous coursework, leadership development, and personalized guidance, it is invaluable for undocumented students overcoming educational barriers and standing out in college admissions.
Breakthrough TA/TF
The Breakthrough Teaching Assistants/Fellows summer Program offers a unique internship experience for undergraduate students passionate about education. This program allows teaching fellows to gain hands-on teaching experience by working with highly motivated students from underrepresented backgrounds. It provides intensive training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities that prepare fellows for future careers in education and beyond.
Scholar Match
ScholarMatch is a non-profit sponsored by Bright Futures this program provides free, one-on-one counseling by matching students with dedicated college advisors. This personalized guidance is invaluable for undocumented students, helping them navigate the college admissions process, secure financial aid, and explore scholarship opportunities. The individualized support ensures students receive tailored advice and resources, significantly increasing their chances of college success and empowering them to achieve their educational goals.
Individual University Programs
Individualized university summer programs and fly-ins offer exceptional opportunities for undocumented students to experience college life firsthand. These programs typically provide fully-funded travel, accommodations, and immersive academic experiences on campus. For example, programs like MIT's MITES (Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science) and Amherst College's Diversity Open House Fly-In invite students to participate in intensive courses, workshops, and campus activities. These experiences allow students to network with professors, explore potential majors, and gain valuable insights into the college environment.
Shadowing Programs
Shadowing and observer programs offer undocumented students the chance to gain real-world experience in various career fields, such as medicine, law, engineering, business, and technology. These programs allow students to observe professionals in their daily work, providing insights into career paths they might be interested in. For instance, students can shadow doctors in hospitals, lawyers in legal firms, engineers on project sites, or business executives in corporate settings. These experiences help students understand the practical aspects of different professions, build professional networks, and strengthen their college applications by demonstrating a proactive interest in their future careers.