Borderless Scholars, Undocumented, AB540, DACA and Dreamers | EOPS | Student Services

Undocumented Students Services #

The Borderless Scholars program is designed to provide a safe and welcoming environment for undocumented students and UndocuAllies. We support these students to overcome personal and educational challenges due to their immigration status. We provide personal, career, and academic counseling, on-campus support services, and community resources including free legal services.

New to Mesa College?
Apply today and use our simple checklist for undocumented students to learn how to apply for college, receive financial aid, and enroll in classes for an upcoming semester! Get started at Mesa College OR visit the Dreamer Resource Center (DRC) I4-204.

Connect with Dreamer Resource Center! #

Dreamer Resource Center
We are located in Room I4-204 (2nd floor)
M-Th: 9:00am - 5:30pm
Fri: 8:00am - 1:00pm
Phone: 619-500-2053
Email: MesaDreamers@sdccd.edu

Become a Borderless Scholar #

Apply to become a Borderless Scholar!
Are you an Undocumented Student, Dreamer, AB 540, DACA recipient, or a mixed status student? Come to the Dreamer Resource Center (DRC) in I4 204 to apply for the Borderless Scholar Program. Any questions contact us by Phone: 619-500-2053 or Email: MesaDreamers@sdccd.edu.

Borderless Scholars Services

Academic / Career / Personal Counseling
Book Services
Meal Cards
On and off-campus resources
California Dream Act application assistance
AB-540 Affidavit completion assistance
Specialized Workshops and events specifically created for undocumented students
Free legal services
And much more!

Also, we recommend for our undocumented students to view the eligibility requirements and fill out the EOPS application to receive services and support as EOPS students.

Access the EOPS Application

Know the Difference and Determine Your Eligibility #

AB 540

California law (AB 540, AB 2000, and SB 68) grants qualifying students including undocumented students, to pay in-state tuition at California Community Colleges, CSUs, and UCs.

Eligibility:

Attendance for three full-time years or the equivalent at any combination of the following:

California high school
California adult school (including non-credit courses offered by a California community college)
California community college (maximum of two years of credit courses can count toward this requirement)

OR:

Three years of California high school credits, along with three years of total attendance at a California elementary school, California secondary school, or any combination of the two.

Completion of any of the following:

Graduation from a California high school or the equivalent (GED, HiSET, TASC, CHSPE)
Attainment of an associate's degree from a California Community College
Fulfillment of the minimum transfer requirements from a California Community College to a UC or CSU campus

Registered or enrolled at a California Community College.
File an AB-540 Affidavit (California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request form) stating you have filed (or will file when eligible to do so) for legal immigration status.
Submit to the Admissions Office.

California Dream Act

The California Dream Act allows undocumented and non-resident documented students who meet certain provisions to apply for and receive private scholarships funded through public universities, state-administered financial aid, university grants, community college fee waivers, and Cal Grants.

Eligibility:

Undocumented students must meet the eligibility criteria for AB 540, AB 2000, SB 68, or U-Visa holders to apply for and receive California state financial aid (see Eligibility requirements in the left-hand column).
The California Dream Act allows students to receive state and institutional grants if they meet income guidelines, apply by the priority deadlines, and complete all necessary paperwork on time.
Complete and submit the online California Dream Act Application to determine your eligibility. The priority filing/application period is October 1st-March 2 each year.

Meet With a Counselor #

Borderless scholars have access to counselors experienced in advocating for the specific needs of undocumented students. Have your academic questions answered, get help completing the California Dream Act application or the AB-540 Affidavit for financial aid, and receive support navigating college life as an undocumented student.
Learn about Counseling Services at Mesa

Attend a Borderless Scholars Event #

Participate in various workshops and events designed to affirm your identity and equip you with important information regarding undocumented students' rights, resources, and more. Mark your calendars so you don't miss out on attending one of our upcoming events.
Access the Events Calendar

Explore Scholarships #

There are many scholarship opportunities created to support undocumented students who attend Mesa College. Explore these and the other scholarships you may qualify for and find the financial support you need to achieve your educational goals. Get started and learn how to apply!

View all Mesa Scholarships
View Immigrant Rising Scholarships
View MALDEF Scholarships

Meet the DREAM Team #

Karla Trutna	Acting Director of Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) and Special Programs	Ktrunta@sdccd.edu
Ángel Aguilar Garcia	Dreamer Resource Center and Borderless Scholars Program Coordinator	Aaguilar003@sdccd.edu
Rosa Palacios	EOPS/Borderless Scholars Adjunct Counselor	Rpalacios@sdccd.edu
Clemente Ayala	EOPS/Borderless Scholars Adjunct Counselor	Cayala@sdccd.edu