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Finding financial aid for college can be challenging, especially for undocumented or DACA students. As you probably know, undocumented students are not eligible for federal aid, and only a handful of states actually assist them.
However, there are many DACA scholarships for dreamers out there. One of those generous financial aids is the Golden Door Scholarship. With this scholarship, you will have the opportunity to invest in your education and define your future.
Even if you don’t qualify for in-state tuition and state-based financial aid, don’t be discouraged. You need to know that the Golden Door Scholarship is available to you regardless of your immigration status. Keep reading to learn more about the Golden Door Scholarship and what you can do to become the next Golden Door Scholar.
About Golden Door Scholarship
The Golden Door Scholarship is a financial aid specifically created to target needy undocumented students. It was designed by Golden Door Scholars, an institution founded in 2013 with the primary aim of promoting economic mobility for undocumented or DACA students.
In its first year, the Golden Door Scholars awarded thirteen scholarships. Since then, the institution has impacted 473 undocumented students by partnering with schools to cover tuition, room, and board for a four-year degree.
With Golden Door Scholarship, successful candidates also have access to mentors, internships, and job search support, along with other professional growth opportunities.
Program Benefits
Once you are declared eligible for the Golden Door Scholarship, you will receive a full four-year scholarship indicating payment of 100% tuition fees. Also, as we mentioned earlier, you will have access to mentors, internships, and job search support. In addition, there are other career growth opportunities available to you.
Scholarships are awarded to academically successful students who are involved in extracurricular activities and have shown leadership qualities and determination despite the barriers their status presents.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for this financial aid, you must have a DACA or TPS. In other words, you currently have no legal status in the United States. Also, you must not qualify for in-state tuition or federal funding.
If you are a resident of the United States or a current permanent resident, you are not eligible to apply. However, if you are a visa holder, you will need to elaborate on your visa type and whether you are eligible to receive federal funding and/or in-state tuition on your application.
In addition, please pay attention to the following other requirements:
- Possess a high GPA;
- Take advanced or challenging high school classes;
- Be driven to excel and help others succeed;
- Have held leadership positions or be involved in the community; and
- Actively apply for a variety of scholarships.
Please note that you do not need to be a current high school student to apply. In fact, recent high school graduates and currently enrolled undergraduates and transfer students (community college or 4-year college) are also welcome to apply.
How to Apply for a Golden Door Scholarship
Click here to fill out the Golden Door Scholarship application form. You will be required to fill in the blanks. Required information includes:
- Personal information
- Education
- Transcript
- Future education and career plan
- Extracurricular activities
- Other scholarships
- Essay
- Video submission
Partially completed applications cannot be saved and completed later. Thus, please review all parts of the form before beginning the application. Also, high school and college transcripts do not need to be official versions; you may scan and upload the transcript.
Additionally, SAT and ACT scores are not required. However, if you do have standardized test scores, you can include them in your application.
Closing Date
Submit your applications by or before April 10th. Late applications will not be considered. Also, applications will be considered on a rolling basis, so applying early is beneficial.
Once you submit your application, it will be reviewed. You will receive a notification of the results via email. Candidates selected to move on to the next step will begin the interview process.
Contact Details
Have any questions regarding the Golden Door Scholarship or the selection process? Please read important information about the program and the FAQ session on its website for the answers to your inquiries. Or, send your message to info@goldendoorscholars.org.
Golden Door Scholarship Official Website
Find out more about the Golden Door Scholarship by visiting the official Golden Door Scholars website at www.goldendoorscholars.org.
While we try to keep the information up to date and accurate, information is subject to change without prior notice. Thus, please always refer to the official website of the scholarship provider for complete and update information.
