In 2020 I'm running my 8th LA Marathon, and this year, I'm trying to raise $6000 to support undocumented UCLA Bruins in the UndocuBruins Research Program through the Academic Advancement Program (AAP). My original goal was $4K, but I know some very generous people; I reached that goal ahead of schedule, so - like a true marathoner - I'm going the distance to $6K.
Please consider donating 50 cents, $1, $2, or more per mile (a marathon is 26.2 miles)!
What's UndocuBruins? Each year, 10 students are accepted into the program. They receive a $2,000 stipend to cover research expenses and subsidize their cost of living. The UC Office of the President has supported this program in previous years, but individual campuses have now been tasked with self-funding. $6000 will support 3 UCLA students in the coming academic year.
Why do I care? Why should you?
Running a marathon is hard work, but undocumented students work even harder to get into UCLA, and completing a marathon pales in comparison to the struggles these students face to stay enrolled and complete their degrees. The undocumented students I've worked with at UCLA are, hands down, the most talented, creative, dedicated, driven, and inspiring people I have ever had the privilege to mentor. They did not "take" the spots of more "deserving" citizens; they are better, despite having every conceivable odd stacked against them. Please help me help these students achieve even more!
Through UndocuBruins, students gain research experience by working with a graduate mentor and faculty member. They develop their graduate school applications, learn how to obtain strong letters of recommendation, and share their work at the annual UCLA Undergraduate Research week. The UndocuBruins Research Program gives students access to the resources they need to navigate the challenges around graduate and professional school applications and to launch successful careers. An investment in them is an investment in our country's future - donate today!