UndocuPathways Experiential Learning Opportunity Program
The UndocuPathways Experiential Learning Opportunity Program supports undocumented UC Davis students by providing funding to pursue hands-on activities that foster academic, professional, and personal growth through experiential learning. Whether you are participating in paid or unpaid internships, research projects, volunteer work, or community service, this program offers both financial assistance and community support to help sustain your engagement in meaningful, real-world experiences aligned with your goals.
Offered through the Undocumented Student Resource Center (USRC) in collaboration with various campus departments, the program ensures that all undocumented students have access to supervised learning opportunities that are relevant to their educational and career aspirations.
Funding and Support
The UndocuPathways Experiential Learning Opportunity Program offers financial support to help students cover costs related to pursuing experiential learning opportunities, particularly opportunities that are unpaid or do not offer fair and equitable compensation for the time and effort involved. Funding is available each quarter or semester, and students are welcome to reapply for multiple terms as long as they continue to meet the eligibility requirements and funds remain available.
Eligibility Criteria
- To apply for funding through UndocuPathways, students must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be a currently enrolled UC Davis student in at least 12 units of full-time status as defined by your degree objective
- Identify as AB 540–eligible for tuition purposes
- Have submitted a California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
- Demonstrate financial need, as determined by CADAA
How to Apply
Applications are reviewed each quarter, please be sure to check deadlines for submission. 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).
- 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.
Access the UndocuPathways application. Open until Friday November 14, 2025.
UndocuPathways Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I secure an Experiential Learning Opportunity at UC Davis?
Flexibility and a variety of options are built into the structure of UndocuPathways to meet students where they are at in their professional development and post-graduation journeys. If you have already secured an experiential learning opportunity that is in alignment with your post-graduation goals, apply for funding right away so that you can deepen your engagement in the opportunity.
Currently enrolled UC Davis Students, regardless of immigration status, have access to engage in a variety of experiential learning opportunities that not only align with their degree objectives but also contribute towards building opportunities after graduation. The following list provides options for students to explore opportunities as part of their application process to UndocuPathways:
Outside Opportunities to Explore
In addition, students can also combine UndocuPathways funding and support to take advantage of outside opportunities to explore and pursue career goals and self-paced income generating resources such as:
For students that are interested in UndocuPathways and would like support exploring options to secure an experiential learning opportunity, UndocuPathways funding can be used for students to create space in their schedules to invest in their search for opportunities alongside Lead Career Advisor and our Carrer Center’s Liaison Elliott Johnson for additional guidance.
Expectations for UndocuPathways Participants
One you have secured an experiential learning opportunity on your own, or with support from our campus partners, UndocuPathways participants will be required to enroll in a 1-credit course through the Chicana/o/x Studies Department (CHI 092 for lower division, CHI 192 for upper division students). 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
Participation in a workshop focused on professional and personal development. - Review this year’s USRC 101 slide deck
Learn more about additional resources and support you can access as part of the USRC student community at UCD
Why Partner with Chicana/o/x 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/x Latina/o/x/ experience.
While the Undocumented Student Resource Center (USRC) administers this course, the expertise and support from the Chicana/o/x Studies Department enhances UndocuPathways participant’s learning experience by providing access to culturally diverse and affirming spaces in academia where our students can thrive regardless of immigration status as they engage in experiential learning activities in alignment with their post-graduation goals.
For more information on the Chicana/o/x Studies Department and their programs, visit their website.