Are you an undocumented student preparing for college?

Did you know that only one in 10 undocumented students will attend or graduate college? But help is available to change this; undocumented and DACA-eligible Oklahoma students are encouraged to apply for this scholarship now.

Aspiring Americans have announced the beginning of the application process for the Aspiring Americans Scholarship 2018, an Oklahoma scholarship benefiting students displaying high academic achievement who do not qualify for federal financial aid.

“The Aspiring Americans Scholarship is a yearly effort to reward those students in the community who despite all obstacles, have chosen to continue their education demonstrating commitment and strong moral character,” said Luis Hidalgo, program director of Aspiring Americans.

The Aspiring Americans organization invests in the future of aspiring Americans who are dedicated and passionate about bettering themselves and their communities.

“Growing up in a conservative state such as Oklahoma, with Deferred Action no less, has presented the need for a far more progressive approach for my future,” said OU bound student, Carlos Rubio. “If you are undocumented, DACA or in a position that makes University seem like a far-off dream. - Aspiring Americans will get you the resources needed to make said dream a reality.”

Rubio said Aspiring Americans takes progression towards higher education to the next level.

“Through mentorship and scholarship guidance this organization has given me the tools needed for my future at the collegiate level and beyond as well as preparing countless of other students,” he added. “They’re doing something about an issue that society faces, and quite frankly, they’re changing lives.”

Dove Science Academy Counselor, Silap Berdiyev said, “Aspiring Americans is one of the few organizations that helps DACAmented students to reach their college dream. They truly inspire students to pursue their dreams. The organization and staff have helped so many students and families with legal consultation and have connected students to their financial aid opportunities.”

Over the last three years, Aspiring Americans has been able to award tens of thousands of dollars to students across Oklahoma thanks to generous donations from community members, businesses and universities. 

The application process will be open through March 15 through the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma (CFO) scholarship portal at www.cfok.org.

Aspiring Americans is a program of Scissortail Community Development Corporation as part of its mission of economic and social development in Oklahoma. The Aspiring Americans mission is to help undocumented students and families in Oklahoma pursue the highest education possible and facilitate their successful enrollment in colleges and universities across the state.  

The Gayly. March 1, 2018. 9:54 a.m. CST.