UndocuPathways
The UndocuPathways Experiential Learning Opportunity Grant is a program designed to support undocumented UC Davis students by funding opportunities that promote academic, career, and personal growth through experiential learning. Whether you are engaging in internships, research, volunteering, or community service, this program offers financial support to help you gain meaningful, hands-on experience while pursuing your academic and professional goals.
This program is offered through the Undocumented Student Resource Center (USRC) in collaboration with various campus departments, ensuring that all undocumented students can access learning experiences that are directly supervised and relevant to their educational and career aspirations.
Apply Now - Applications Close on February 05, 2025
Types of Experiential Learning Funded by UndocuPathways
Experiential learning refers to the process of learning through active participation in meaningful, real-world experiences. Through the UndocuPathways Experiential Learning Opportunity Grant, a variety of opportunities are supported, including:
- Internships: paid or unpaid positions where students apply academic knowledge and gain practical experience in a professional setting.
- Research Projects: Opportunities to participate in research within academic courses, departments, or independent projects that align with your interests.
- Supervised Volunteering: Engagement in long-term, meaningful volunteer work in community organizations, including leadership positions in student organizations.
- Clinical Experiences: Direct involvement in healthcare, legal, or other professional services that provide valuable hands-on training.
- Practicums and Service Learning: Opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, typically through required fieldwork or community service projects.
- Student Leadership Projects: Initiatives that enable students to develop leadership skills while contributing to the community, such as planning events or leading student organizations.
- Study Abroad Programs: Educational experiences outside the country that broaden your understanding of global issues, cultures, and perspectives.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for funding through UndocuPathways, students must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be a UC Davis student who has filed a California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
- Be undocumented or have AB 540 status on file.
- Demonstrate financial need, as indicated by the CADAA application.
- Be enrolled in a 1-credit course (offered by USRC) related to your experiential learning opportunity if you are an undergraduate student.
Funding and Support
The UndocuPathways Experiential Learning Opportunity Grant provides financial support to help students offset costs related to their experiential learning opportunities. Funding is available on a quarterly/semester basis, and you can apply multiple times for different quarters as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
How to Apply
To apply for funding, you will need to:
- Provide a brief description of your experiential learning opportunity (100 words or less).
- Explain how the opportunity connects to your academic and professional goals (50-100 words).
- Submit an unofficial transcript to verify your academic standing.
- Include your supervisor's contact information and a description of your work schedule (hours per week, in-person or remote, etc.).
- Confirm that you have filed the California Dream Act Application and meet the program's eligibility requirements.
Applications are reviewed each quarter, be sure to check deadlines for submission.
Program Expectations for Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate students selected for funding will be required to enroll in a 1-credit course through the Chicana/o Studies Department (CHI 092 for lower division, CHI 192 for upper division). This course is designed to support students in reflecting on their experiential learning experiences and connecting their activities to their academic and professional goals. The course includes:
- End-of-term Engagement Report - A 2-3 page report reflecting on your experiences, challenges, and how your learning aligns with your personal goals.
- Attend a USRC Pathways Workshop or other USRC Event - Participation in a workshop focused on professional and personal development.
- Attend a Community Intake Session - Gain a deeper understanding of other resources available to you through the Undocumented Student Resource Center.
- End-of-Semester Celebration - Students will participate in a celebration lunch at the end of the quarter/semester to share their work, receive recognition, and celebrate their achievements. If you cannot attend, please notify Amritpal Kaur at apbkaur@ucdavis.edu as soon as possible.
Why Partner with Chicana/o Studies?
This course is offered in partnership with the Department of Chicana/o Studies at UC Davis, a program known for its interdisciplinary focus on the experiences, values, and socio-economic issues of the Chicano/Latino community. The Chicana/o Studies department is internationally recognized for its contributions to scholarship and public service, and it provides students with the tools to understand the intersection of race, class, gender, and sexuality in the context of the Chicana/o/Latino experience. While the Undocumented Student Resource Center (USRC) administers this course, the expertise and support from the Chicana/o Studies Department enhance the learning experience and ensure that students receive a comprehensive, culturally relevant education that reflects their diverse experiences.
For more information on the Chicana/o Studies Department and their programs, visit their website.