We are raising $90,000 to help two incoming undocumented graduate students at the University of Michigan cover the remaining cost of tuition and basic living expenses so they can begin their programs with stability and support.

UndocuGrads at the University of Michigan is a student organization that aims to support current and incoming undocumented/DACAmented graduate students through community building, advocacy, and professional development opportunities. As an organization, we are launching a fundraising campaign to support two incredible incoming graduate students whom we had the honor of meeting and connecting with this past summer.

While one student has received partial institutional funding, the other has not received any at this time. These funds will help cover remaining tuition costs and support essential needs such as housing and other educational expenses. For undocumented students—especially those paying out-of-state tuition—graduate education often comes with financial barriers that are nearly impossible to navigate without community support.

Graduate school is already financially and emotionally demanding. For students without legal status, the barriers are even higher—limited access to financial aid, fewer employment opportunities, and constant uncertainty make pursuing higher education extremely difficult. These two students are deeply passionate about their fields of study and have worked hard to reach this point. We believe they deserve the opportunity to continue their education and thrive.

We recognize that this effort is just one piece of a much larger, ongoing push to make higher education more accessible for undocumented students. Access to education should be a right, not a privilege. While we continue to advocate for more permanent, institutional solutions—and as the University works to identify more sustainable avenues of support—this fundraiser serves as a short-term, community-driven response to urgent, immediate needs.

Due to the current political climate and for the safety and privacy of the students, we are intentionally keeping identifying information to a minimum. With their consent, the students have shared brief reflections on what pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Michigan would mean to them:

Student Reflection #1:

“I fell in love with Ann Arbor and the program last summer during my time in [XXX]. I would love to continue being part of the welcoming and encouraging community at U of M. I look forward to bringing my lived experience and perspective into the classroom and the work that I do”

Student Reflection #2:

“My positive experience during [XXX] at the University of Michigan showed me firsthand the university’s commitment to research, mentorship, and student success, making it my top choice for graduate study. I hope to pursue an MPH to build foundational knowledge in epidemiological methods and address health challenges I have seen in my rural community and across many others.”

Every contribution—no matter the size—helps bring us closer to our goal and directly supports these students in continuing their education with dignity and support. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser with your networks is another meaningful way to show up.

Thank you for believing in educational access, equity, and the power of community care.