DGS Support Services for Undocumented Students
The DGS College/Career Center runs a psychoeducational group open to all undocumenated students, grades 9-12. We focus on social/emotional support, academic plans and goals, and creating and following through on post-secondary plans. If you are interested in joining please contact Ms. Nolan (anolan@csd99.org).
- If you are an undocumented DGS student we strongly encourage you to join our group or tell your counselor so we can support you as best as possible. Strict confidentiality regarding your personal information is enforced.
Post-Secondary Plans
Cost should not initially prohibit you from pursuing your post-secondary dreams. We have had undocumented students successfuly pursue all of the listed pathways below. Start planning for your future by researching your options.
- College of DuPage
- Certificate Programs: Don't want to continue school and just want to work? Think about a COD Certificate Program first. Benefits include no general education courses, classes only in your certificate area, and shorter completion time (think some in as little as 6 months). Having a certificate gets you a leg ahead of your competition.
- Traditional 2+2 “transfer” programs: This is a traditional Associates Degree program in which, upon completion, you can then transfer to a 4-year college/university or start work.
- Special 3+1 programs: These programs partner COD with a 4-year university so that in 4 years you earn a Bachelor’s Degree, but you pay COD rates for 3 of those years.
- Engineering Pathways partnership with UIUC
- 4-year college/university
- Being undocumented does not prohibit you from applying to and getting accepted to 4-year colleges and universities. If your desire is to earn a Bachelor’s Degree after high school, you can! Start in Naviance to start your college search.
- Work
- If you choose to work after high school, we are here to support you as well. Check out our career resources page for resources.
- DuPage County workforce development programs
Paying for College
The cost of college can be scary - for all students regardless of immigration status. Although undocumented students cannot complete the FAFSA, which would give you access to Direct student loans and the PELL Grant, the State of Illinois has created an alternative way for students who have financial need, to get aid for college: The Alternative Application.
- Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid: All undocumented student must complete this financial aid application as a D99 graduation requirement. If your family is eligible, this application will qualify you for some, or all of the MAP Grant.
- Institutional, merit-based scholarships
- Most of your scholarship money will come direct from the institution, based on merit. Merit can be grades, test scores, or other talents in the arts or athletics. Some colleges even give additional scholarships for community service or other, unique identifiers and qualities. All undocumented students qualify for institutional merit-based scholarships.
- Private Scholarships: There are many private scholarships available to undocumented students. Check websites for additional information such as GPA requirements and college partners.
- Dream.US
- Dennis De La Rosa
- Golden Door
- Questbridge
- IL Dream Fund
- Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
- The Point Foundation
- The Anhelo Project
- Other scholarship lists and databases include: College Green Light and MALDEF
Driver’s License
We strongly encourage you to take Driver’s Ed at DGS, prior to your 18th birthday. Once you have your permit, you can get your TVDL (Temporary Visitor’s Driver’s License).
- TVDL (Temporary Visitor’s Driver’s License)
- Article about states offering driver’s licenses to immigrants
Immigration and Policy
The latest on DACA
Know Your Rights if you are stopped by ICE
Facts about ITIN’s
Legal Help Directory
Resource Guide
Media/News/Resources
IACAC Guide for Undocumented Students
MyUndocumented Life
What Illinois Offers Undocumented Immigrants