DACA Students
There are a number of resources to help undocumented students meet their educational goals at Chemeketa.
What is DACA?
DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a status given to certain students who entered the United States from another country before their 16th birthday (and before 2007), have been continually residing and attending school in the U.S. and have graduated high school or attained their GED. If you are undocumented or have DACA or a Temporary Protected Status (TPS), you do not qualify for federal financial aid. However, Chemeketa offers resources and opportunities to help you meet your education goals and expenses.
Read the Latest Updates
Get Started at Chemeketa
First, follow these steps to enroll at Chemeketa
- Choose whether you’re a new, returning or transfer student
- If you would like personal help with the steps to get enrolled, attend a Getting Started workshop at the Salem or Yamhill Valley campus
Help Paying for College
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Oregon Financial Aid Opportunities
Undocumented and DACA students in Oregon are eligible for the following state financial aid programs, as long as they meet all other program requirements. As part of the application process for these programs, you the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA).
ORSAA
Opens in October
ORSAA is an alternative to the FAFSA for undocumented Oregon students, including students who have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status or Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
- 5 Tips to Complete the ORSAA Video (English)
- 5 Consejos Para Completar ORSAA video (Español)
- ORSAA Tip Sheet PDF (English) (Spanish)
Oregon Opportunity Grant
Opens after October 1
The Oregon Opportunity Grant is Oregon's largest state-funded, need-based grant program for students planning to go to college. You can apply by submitting the ORSAA.
Oregon Promise Grant
The Oregon Promise is a state grant which helps cover most tuition costs at any Oregon community college for recent high school graduates and GED recipients. You can apply by submitting the ORSAA and submitting an Oregon Promise application in the OSAC Student Portal.
- Introduction & How to Apply for Oregon Promise- VIDEO
- Oregon Promise Application Demo Webinars (click on the links below to register)
OSAC Scholarships
Early bird deadline is 5 pm February 15
Final deadline is 5 pm March 1OSAC provides more than 500 scholarships for students. You don't need to be a merit scholar or a student with financial need to apply, all types of scholarships are available.
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Chemeketa Funding
Chemeketa Scholars
Applications are only accepted the first week of March
Graduating high school seniors from Chemeketa’s district with a cumulative, unweighted GPA of 3.5 or better may qualify for Chemeketa Scholars a full tuition scholarship for up to two years in any field of study.
Chemeketa Foundation Scholarships
Open February 1-March 31
We have one online application for all of our Chemeketa Foundation Scholarships. Based on the information provided, you will automatically be matched in our system for scholarships meeting your qualifications.
Student Leadership Program
2018-19 applications open spring term
Get involved—student leader positions provide financial aid to help meet educational expenses, provide you with valuable work experience, and the opportunity to develop strong leadership skills.
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External Funding
Individual Development Account (IDA)
An IDA is a savings account you can invest in your education. You can earn a 3:1 to 5:1 for your savings. The following websites can assist you in finding an IDA program near you.
The Ford Family Foundation Scholarship
Deadline March 1
Undocumented residents who meet certain qualifications are now eligible to apply for scholarships from The Ford Family Foundation. You can apply by submitting the OSAC scholarship application.
DREAMer’s Roadmap
DREAMer's Roadmap is a national non-profit app helping undocumented students find scholarships to go to college.
Oregon Latino Scholarship Fund
The Oregon Latino Scholarship Fund is for Hispanic ancestry, permanently residing in Oregon or Clark County, Washington. Must apply through the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber.
Scholarships A-Z
Scholarships A-Z provides resources and scholarships making higher education accessible to all regardless of immigration status. Their website lists scholarships by the month and due date.
The Dream.US Scholarships
Deadline March 1 by 11:59 pm
The Dream.US is a national scholarship covering students’ tuition and fees for associate's and bachelor's degrees at one of their partner institutions such as WOU and EOU.
Resources
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Chemeketa Resources
Board of Education Statement of Commitment
The Chemeketa Board of Education issued a statement about access, diversity and equity in support of our students.
Guidance for Employees and Students
Chemeketa’s policies and procedures regarding access to student information and access to the college’s campuses by visitors, including law and federal officers.
Chemeketa Completion Program (CCP)
CCP is an inclusive program providing a support system for students and assisting them with navigating college systems such as financial aid, registration, advising, and transferring.
Reporting Complaints and Concerns
We strive to provide a safe place for you to learn. If you are experiencing an issue, please click here and let us know through one of the methods provided on the webpage.
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Off Campus Resources
Local Resources
Consulado Mexicano de Portland
Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (PCUN)
National Resources
National Immigration Law Center
Activities
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Club Meetings
Oregon DACA Coalition (ODC) Meeting
Mondays from 6:30-8 pm
Chemeketa Salem Bldg. 2, Rm. 176 D