University Of California Has $8 Million Plan For Undocumented Students
By Kelly Ryan
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — University of California system president Janet Napolitano unveiled a multi-year commitment to help undocumented students.
The commitment lasts three years with more than $8 million earmarked each year going to three priorities.
- $5 million will go to the DREAM Loan program that makes funding available to students who don't qualify for federal aid.
- $2.5 million will go to other student needs from fellowship programs to textbooks
- $900,000 will go to the UC's undocumented legal services center.
Estafania Hermosillo is getting ready to graduate from UC Davis, something she wasn't sure she'd be able to do legally as an AB540 undocumented student. Born in Mexico, her parents brought her to the United States when she was 6 years old.
She flourished in high school.
"I took seven AP classes I had a high GPA," she said.
As she prepared for college, she was told a UC system goal was unlikely.
It was the same case for Adriana Lopez, who was also born in Mexico and wanted a university education.
Both students realized without a Social Security number, they couldn't get financial aid. They ended up going to community college and eventually received financial aid to enter UC Davis.
They applaud Tuesday's announcement.
"I think everybody should have access and resources available to make it to higher education; that is something they would like to do," she said.
