Scholarships A-Z, an Arizona nonprofit, has been supporting illegal immigrant youth in their pursuit of higher education since 2009. The organization was founded by a student at Pima Community College who struggled to find scholarships and decided to create a list to help other undocumented students.

Community Efforts

Carolina Silva, the executive director of Scholarships A-Z, is a former illegal immigrant herself and understands the challenges these students face. She has been at the forefront of helping DACA holders navigate the uncertain landscape of their status.

The organization has been working to provide support to these students, including access to in-state tuition, scholarships, and other resources. Despite the challenges, Scholarships A-Z has made significant progress, including the passage of Proposition 308, which secures in-state tuition for undocumented students who have graduated from an Arizona high school.

Challenges Ahead

However, the organization still faces significant challenges, including the ongoing litigation surrounding the DACA program. Silva expressed concern about the impact of the Trump administration’s aggressive enforcement policy on these students, stating that it has created a sense of uncertainty and fear among them.

According to Silva, the organization’s rapid response line has been active since 2010, and they have been providing mutual aid and emergency response to undocumented students in need. Despite the challenges, Scholarships A-Z remains committed to supporting these students and helping them achieve their educational goals.

Original reporting: Arizona Luminaria — read the source article.