The Central Valley is home to one of the largest immigrant communities in the world, in which people across the globe migrate to California’s Central Valley in hopes of a better life and socio-economic mobility. And with this migration comes a beautifully diverse group of people who join our communities and who are politically and systematically identified as undocumented. 

 

At Central Valley Scholars, we understand that migrant students face unique challenges in their educational journey; from having to learn and adjust to a new language and cultural norms, to navigating institutions that were built against them, to dealing with national and local xenophobic sentiments. And we also understand that migrant students hold great knowledge to create more equitable and supportive school systems. We believe that migrant students deserve a safe and welcoming space in our communities and in education. 

 

The Central Valley Scholars Undocumented Scholarship recognizes exemplary students in the Central Valley who, despite facing various obstacles, continue to pursue their educational journey. Our scholarships are developed with the core belief that all students are worth investing in and we select awardees on a basis of identity, need, and potential for growth; rewarding those who other educational organizations often dismiss. The Undocumented Scholarship invites vulnerability, encourages empowerment, and gives migrant students in the Central Valley the space to share their stories.

 

For purposes of this scholarship, an undocumented student is an individual who is a non-citizen of the United States. This includes, and is not limited to, undocumented immigrants, refugees, asylees, and individuals under temporary protected status.