Benefits of Higher Education for Undocumented Students
For many students the benefits of higher education may not always be clear. If you are working with a student who is assessing their options for their future, we recommend sharing the following information with them about the opportunities that are available to them through a college education.
Example
Benefit
Through her college’s alumni network, Sara met someone who is 10 years ahead of her in her dream career. This person became a mentor to Sara and helped her learn the ins and outs of an industry that she was unfamiliar with.
Connect to networks, mentors, and community
Safiya applied for a fellowship offered by her university, which provided her a $10,000 grant and mentorship to start her own business.
Open doors to new professional opportunities and income sources
After taking business classes, joining his university’s entrepreneur club, and serving as a research fellow for a professor, Debo gained the skills and resources to become an independent contractor as a strategic and financial advisor to small businesses.
Gain new skills and resources to pursue independent contracting and entrepreneurship, which do not require a work permit
Because he had a college degree from a U.S. university, Manuel was a competitive candidate and secured a job offer in Canada.
Move and work abroad in the future
Although Umi was undocumented throughout college, she eventually gained legal status years later. Because she has a college degree and relevant experience through internships and independent contracting opportunities, Umi received a job offer at an education non-profit.
Being a competitive candidate for the workforce when you eventually gain legal status in the future
Marquez graduated with a BS in engineering and received a job offer at a company willing to sponsor him for an employment visa. Marquez decides to consult a lawyer to assess his options.
Possibility of securing legal status through employment in the future