New Jersey City University and TheDream.US on Tuesday announced the formation of a new partnership to provide scholarships for select New Jersey immigrant youth to achieve their higher education dreams.
The announcement comes after the recent opening of TheDream.US’ new scholarship round for the 2023-2024 academic year, which started on Nov. 1 and will run through the end of February 2023. The scholarships are open to undocumented immigrant students, often called “Dreamers,” with or without DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) or TPS (Temporary Protected Status) status who came to the U.S. before the age of 16 and before Nov. 1, 2017.
NJCU’s core mission has always been to provide a diverse population with an excellent education. It is located in Jersey City, often recognized as the most diverse city in the U.S., and where more than 20% of residents are Spanish-speaking.
“With affordable degree options and exceptionally supportive faculty, we transform the lives of our students, many of whom are first-generation and come from families on the lower socioeconomic scale,” acting President Jason Kroll said. “We are looking forward to seeing these scholarships make a tangible difference for our DACA and undocumented students and their families.”
Through the new partnership, New Jersey’s immigrant youth will be eligible to apply for TheDream.US National Scholarship. The National Scholarship is for Dreamers who are about to graduate high school or earn a GED; current community college students; and current university students. The award is for tuition and fees of up to $33,000 total for a bachelor’s degree.
According to Candy Marshall, president of TheDream.US: “We are excited to partner with NJCU in supporting New Jersey Dreamers in their college and career aspirations. Despite the many obstacles they face, these immigrant students continue to persevere and work hard to achieve their education and career goals. 93% of our 3,000-plus graduates are now working or have started their own businesses. Their successes are proof that expanding Dreamers’ access to higher education and career opportunities is good for our country’s economic growth. We are grateful to NJCU and our 80-plus other partner colleges across the United States for giving our immigrant youth the opportunity to pursue a college education and contribute to the future of America.”
