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.
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.
Connect with Dreamer Resource Center!
Dreamer Resource Center
We are located in Room I4-204 (2nd floor)
M-Th: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Fri: 8:00am - 1:00pm
Phone: 619-388-5116
SMS/Text: 619-500-2053
Email: MesaDreamers@sdccd.edu
We are located in Room I4-204 (2nd floor)
M-Th: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Fri: 8:00am - 1:00pm
Phone: 619-388-5116
SMS/Text: 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: 619-388-5116 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!
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.
- 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.
- 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 ScholarshipsView Immigrant Rising Scholarships
View MALDEF Scholarships
Donate
Our Borderless Scholars experience unique challenges in college. One main challenge is the lack of financial aid to support their educational needs. Please help the DRC by donating to the Borderless Scholars Program, any contribution amount helps. The funds will be utilized to create scholarships opportunities and cover other financial needs for Borderless Scholars.
Donate and support UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS: https://bit.ly/MesaBorderless
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 |
