Undocumented Students Offered Help at Local College

Yakima Valley College is reaching out to undocumented students in the valley saying the local school provides help through the 'Beyond Dreaming Scholarship,' now in its sixth year.

Some undocumented students believe they're not eligible for help

“Many students believe that their undocumented status will prevent them from attending college. These students may live in fear of being exposed and deported should they apply,” says Beyond Dreaming Scholarship Coordinator Marivy Vasquez. “It’s important for potential students to understand it is against the law for colleges to report a student's immigration status without their permission.”
The Beyond Dreaming Scholarship also helps address concerns by undocumented students that they won't be able to afford college because their status makes them ineligible for federal financial aid.

Since the program started many students have taken advantage of the help

Vasquez says programs like the Washington College Grant (WASFA) have expanded eligibility to include low-income, non-citizen students who meet the program’s eligibility and state residency requirements.
The scholarship program was started in 2016 and since then Yakima Valley College has been able to provide 50 scholarships to undocumented students.
To be eligible for this scholarship, a college and/or high school student must have submitted the WASFA for the 2022-2023 academic year and must be planning to attend YVC in the fall, winter or spring quarter. This scholarship is available to students taking ten or more credits per quarter and can be used to cover the cost of tuition. Application is available online https://www.cognitoforms.com/YakimaValleyCollege6/BeyondDREAMingScholarship202223 Or call for more information: 509.574.4701.