MTV and Get Schooled launched, “We are the Dream,” a multi-platform campaign to amplify resources for undocumented youth seeking higher education. Highlights of the campaign include:
- WeAreTheDream.us: A digital hub housing resources and support for undocumented students and their families, including personal stories, information on scholarships, sanctuary colleges and more. The site includes resources from partners including United We Dream, USC’s Pullias Center for Higher Education, and The Dream.US.
- Text Support: Undocumented students and their families can text “we are the dream” to 33-55-77 with their questions, and a team of trained counselors will answer and connect them with existing resources. All text exchanges are kept confidential.
- Twitter Chat: On February 21st, Get Schooled will host a Twitter chat with key experts in higher education and immigration to discuss resources available for Dreamers to go to college, as well as answer questions from young Dreamers about possible paths forward.
- We Are The Dream Grants: Schools, colleges, and community-based organizations that are committed to supporting undocumented students’ access to higher education can apply for a grant up to $1,000 from Get Schooled to put their ideas into action. For more information, go to wearethedream.us. Grant will be awarded on a rolling basis; the grant application will close March 30, 2018.
- #WeAreTheDream: Chart-topping hip-hop artist French Montana, a first generation immigrant from Morocco, will lead #wearethedream to celebrate the impact American immigrants have had on the country. People can post a selfie on Instagram and/or Twitter with the hashtag to share their stories, spread awareness and stand in solidarity with the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to go to college.
Montana had this to say about the partnership:
I am one of tens of thousands of first and second generation immigrants that are having a significant positive impact on the United States. We are the Dream. I am excited to lead others in this fight to ensure Dreamers connect with the support they need to get to college and make their American Dream come true.
According to a 2015 report from the U.S. Department of Education, about 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high school each year and only 5-10% of these undocumented students continue their higher education. Data suggests that to succeed, undocumented young people need factual information about how they can access and finance a college education as well as connection to a broader community.
While undocumented youth cannot access federal aid, six states, including California, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, and Washington, allow undocumented students to receive state financial aid.
At least 18 additional states have provisions for allowing in-state tuition rates for undocumented students. There are also many private institutions that offer significant support for undocumented students, and TheDream.US, the largest scholarships source for Dreamers, has raised nearly $200 million in scholarships to offset the cost of college.
For more information about the campaign, to order materials, or to become a partner, go to www.wearethedream.us.