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You can succeed at Chemeketa

DACA

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

  • On Sep. 28, 2021, the Department of Homeland Security published a proposed federal regulation announcing its intent to codify DACA (DACA Proposed Rule Breakdown at ilrc.org)
  • On Jul. 15, 2021, a Texas judge suspended new DACA applications (nilc.org)
  • Top 5 Things to Know about the US District Court Ruling on DACA (unitedwedream.org)
  • Consideration of DACA (uscis.org)
  • Temporary Protection Status (uscis.org)
  • Know the Facts about Public Charge

Get Started at Chemeketa

First, follow these steps to enroll at Chemeketa

  • Choose whether you’re a new, returning, or transfer student

Help Paying for College

  • 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). 

    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 an 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.

    OSAC Scholarships

    The early bird deadline is 5 pm February 15
    The final deadline is 5 pm March 1

    OSAC 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. 

  • 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

    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. Immigration status is not a requirement since scholarships are also available for student leadership participants.

  • 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 eligible to apply for scholarships from The Ford Family Foundation.

    DREAMer’s Roadmap

    Dreamersroadmap.org is a national non-profit app helping undocumented students find scholarships to go to college.

    My Undocumented Life

    My Undocumented Life is a volunteer-run organization providing up-to-date information and resources to undocumented students including scholarship opportunities, navigating educational systems, immigration, and much more.

    Oregon Latino Scholarship Fund

    The Oregon Latino Scholarship Fund is for Hispanic ancestry, permanently residing in Oregon or Clark County, Washington. You 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 associates and bachelor's degrees at one of their partner institutions such as WOU and EOU.

Resources