Immigration status should not determine opportunity; tenacity and hard work should.
Golden Door Scholars provides DACAmented & undocumented students with the financial aid and support needed to invest in their education and define their futures. More than scholarships, GDS is a vibrant and determined community that offers comprehensive support including career readiness programs, mentorship, and intentional programming, going beyond financial assistance.
Golden Door ScholarS Community
247 Current Scholars
Our scholarship recipients demonstrate remarkable talent, perseverance, and determination in their pursuit of education. They attend over 100+ colleges and universities nationwide, concentrating in the Southeast.
345 Graduates
Since our inception in 2013, graduates of the Golden Door Scholars program have achieved high-earning careers in industries such as banking, engineering, technology, politics, sales, community engagement & more. Our alumni remain engaged with GDS by acting as mentors and career coaches, providing support and understanding to the next generation of scholars.
21 Partner Schools
Golden Door Scholars embraces partnerships with 22 colleges and universities committed to bridging the gap between access to higher education and opportunity for undocumented students.
Every scholar meets monthly with a Student Career Coach to ensure career readiness and academic success.
GDS support does not stop after graduation. On-going professional development, career planning, & support services are available to alumni throughout their careers.
We partner with other organizations supporting Dreamers, like The Dream.US, to advocate for the social mobility of undocumented individuals, highlighting their contributions to their communities and the American workforce.
Persistence & Determination
Golden Door Scholars advocates for equal educational opportunities, meaningful career prospects, and the chance for DACAmented and undocumented students to contribute positively to their local communities.
Federal financial aid, loans, and work-study programs are unavailable to undocumented students, making the cost of a college degree inaccessible to many.
Many high schools and post-secondary institutions lack adequate training and updated policy information to support undocumented students pursuing higher education.
Currently, there are no direct tracks that undocumented students can follow to obtain citizenship or residency, negatively impacting access to high-earning careers.
“I sincerely believe we are the future of this nation and the hope of millions of immigrants that have been through so much and fought so hard to survive in the US. Dreamers are here to stay. We can succeed.”