Relationship: Inclusion & Change Group
Immigrants Rising’s Facilitated Activity Groups offer undocumented young people tangible skills, knowledge, and accountability to pursue personal, educational, and professional goals.
Facilitated Activity Groups provide a space for undocumented high school and college students to explore a topic while building relationships with one another. All activity groups will be guided by a skilled facilitator who is intimately familiar with the undocumented experience.
Activity Groups will meet for 6 consecutive weeks in a virtual setting. Explore the topics we’re offering this year below.
#ICanAffordCollege: Financing a College Education as an Undocumented Student
What will I learn from this activity group?
Everyone deserves an education that is enjoyable, fulfilling, and free from constraints! Unfortunately, undocumented students face additional barriers to pursuing their educational goals and enjoying their educational journeys due to the added stress that comes with limited access to financial and campus resources. This activity group will introduce you to strategies, resources, tips, and key actionable steps you can take to finance your college education and advocate for more and better campus resources. By the end of this activity group, you will implement a plan to increase your funding to help you alleviate some of the financial barriers to pursuing your educational goals.
You will receive a Certificate of Completion after attending at least five sessions.
Who can participate in this activity group?
This activity group is for undocumented high school and college students in the U.S.
When is this activity group offered?
This activity group is offered three times between Fall 2022 and Spring 2023.
- Fall Session: Tuesdays, 4 – 5:15 p.m. PT (starting 10/11/2022, ending 11/15/2022)
- Winter Session: Tuesdays, 4 – 5:15 p.m. PT (starting 1/24/23, ending 2/28/23)
- Spring Session: Tuesdays, 4 – 5:15 p.m. PT (starting 4/18/23, ending 5/23/23)
We are currently not offering new Activity Group sessions.
Immigrants Rising’s Wellness Support Groups help undocumented people stay grounded and connected with the community.
Wellness Support Groups are designed to help undocumented students in postsecondary education tend to their well-being, find a support network, and feel a sense of belonging while navigating their postsecondary education journey. Each group is led by trained mental health providers or registered clinicians and meets weekly for 6 weeks in a closed virtual space.
Advance registration is required to ensure a confidential space where 10-12 participants can feel grounded, find community, and share their unique experiences, challenges, and successes with one another. Click here to register and join a support group.
Note: Though participation can be therapeutic, the groups are not a form of therapy.
Groups Starting in January 2026
Building Sustainable Habits (Wednesdays)
Dates: Six consecutive Wednesdays from January 21 to February 25, 2026
Time: 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. MT / 4 p.m. PT
About the Group: This group focuses on creating routines and practices that support your long-term well-being, while honoring the realities and challenges you face as undocumented students. Together, we will explore how small, consistent actions, like self-care rituals, mindful decision-making, and healthy coping strategies can grow into habits that help you thrive emotionally, mentally, and physically. We will reflect on how systemic pressures and social inequities affect our daily choices, and work to build sustainable practices that are realistic, empowering, and culturally affirming. By sharing, supporting one another, and practicing self-compassion, students will leave with tools to foster balance, resilience, and lasting wellness in their lives.
About the Facilitator: Kissu Taffere, LCSW (she/her), is a licensed clinical social worker in Texas and California with experience spanning international organizations and community-based settings across multiple continents. Born in Ethiopia to Eritrean parents and raised in the U.S., her lived experience informs a clinical approach rooted in cultural identity, intergenerational dynamics, and family attachment. In addition to her clinical practice, Taffere facilitates support groups with immigrant rights organizations, consults with refugee resettlement agencies, and contributes to academic programming focused on refugee and immigrant mental health.
Creative Expression for Healing (Wednesdays)
Dates: Six consecutive Wednesdays from January 21 to February 25, 2026
Time: 2:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. CT / 12:30 p.m. MT / 11:30 a.m. PT
About the Group: “Art is the intentional act of creating something to connect” (Author unknown). As an undocumented student, you may feel disconnected from yourself and others to meet the demands of a busy schedule and amazing aspirations. This group is designed to provide undocumented students with a safe and supportive space to explore their creativity. No formal training or expensive supplies are required—just bring something to write, draw, and color with, and your curiosity and willingness to connect with yourself and others through art*. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences and engage in ongoing healing practices. Whether you are new to art or have been creating for years, this group welcomes you to join and express yourself.
*Please bring the following items: something to write with (such as a pen or chalk), something to write or draw on (like a piece of paper, envelope, or even cardboard), and something to add color (such as crayons or watercolors).
About the Facilitator: Akiah T. R. Selwa (she/her) is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, certified SoulCollage® facilitator, certified Group Spiritual Director, and mixed-media artist passionate about integrating art into mental health practices. With extensive experience as a therapist, Akiah believes in the transformative power of creativity. She has dedicated her career to helping individuals heal and connect through the power of artistic expression. Akiah’s approach is deeply personal, drawing from her journey and ancestral lineage of artists and healers. She will encourage participants to explore their creativity, share their stories, and engage in ongoing healing practices. Akiah’s warm and inviting presence inspires others to find their voice, continue on their healing journeys, and tap into their artistic potential.
Creative Expression for Healing (Fridays)
Dates: Six consecutive Fridays from January 23 to February 27, 2026
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. CT / 1:30 p.m. MT / 12:30 p.m. PT
About the Group: “Art is the intentional act of creating something to connect” (Author unknown). As an undocumented student, you may feel disconnected from yourself and others to meet the demands of a busy schedule and amazing aspirations. This group is designed to provide undocumented students with a safe and supportive space to explore their creativity. No formal training or expensive supplies are required—just bring something to write, draw, and color with, and your curiosity and willingness to connect with yourself and others through art*. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences and engage in ongoing healing practices. Whether you are new to art or have been creating for years, this group welcomes you to join and express yourself.
*Please bring the following items: something to write with (such as a pen or chalk), something to write or draw on (like a piece of paper, envelope, or even cardboard), and something to add color (such as crayons or watercolors).
About the Facilitator: Akiah T. R. Selwa (she/her) is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, certified SoulCollage® facilitator, certified Group Spiritual Director, and mixed-media artist passionate about integrating art into mental health practices. With extensive experience as a therapist, Akiah believes in the transformative power of creativity. She has dedicated her career to helping individuals heal and connect through the power of artistic expression. Akiah’s approach is deeply personal, drawing from her journey and ancestral lineage of artists and healers. She will encourage participants to explore their creativity, share their stories, and engage in ongoing healing practices. Akiah’s warm and inviting presence inspires others to find their voice, continue on their healing journeys, and tap into their artistic potential.
UndocuLGBTQ+ (Thursdays)
Dates: Six consecutive Thursdays from January 22 to February 26, 2026
Time: 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT / 7 p.m. MT / 6 p.m. PT
About the Group: Navigating life in the U.S. can be difficult when holding intersecting identities of being an LGBTQIA+ person of color who’s also undocumented. The UndocuLGBTQ+ Support Group is open to all individuals who are LGBTQIA+ seeking a safe space. Regardless of how you explore and express your LGBTQIA+ identity, this support group is created so you can show up as your authentic self and share personal experiences, discuss relevant issues, and build community in a safe and non-judgmental environment with other undocumented LGBTQIA+ individuals. In the spirit of community, participants will determine what themes will be discussed over the six weeks.
About the Facilitator: Jose Perez, LMFT (he/him/el), is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has the privilege of leading the mental health department at Samaritan House in San Mateo, where he works to expand access to mental health services for uninsured immigrants. In addition, Jose maintains a private practice specializing in immigrant mental health, with a focus on trauma, depression, anxiety, and acculturation challenges. As a proud gay man, Jose is deeply committed to creating inclusive, affirming spaces for individuals from all backgrounds. Jose takes a collaborative, strength-based approach to care, helping clients cultivate resilience, self-actualization, and healing. In his spare time, Jose is completing his Psy.D. in clinical psychology and enjoys hiking and exploring new foods and eateries.
Sorry for not texting back, I was Coping with Uncertainty (Tuesdays)
Dates: Six consecutive Tuesdays from January 20 to February 24, 2026
Time: 5 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. CT / 3 p.m. MT / 2 p.m. PT
About the Group: This group is a supportive space for students navigating the uncertainties of higher education. Participants are invited to share their challenges, triumphs, and the sometimes chaotic, messy moments of their educational journey. From navigating financial aid hurdles and limited scholarship opportunities to managing the pressures of balancing multiple responsibilities, this group offers understanding, solidarity, and a bit of humor.
Inspired by the playful reminder of being “in goblin mode,” this is a space to step back from perfectionism and show up as your authentic self. We’ll explore how uncertainty impacts our choices, relationships, and sense of self. Together, we confront the pressures often placed on students in challenging circumstances, while fostering a supportive environment where participants can find solace, share resources, and celebrate resilience. This will also be a space to embrace strength, creativity, humor, and community support.
About the Facilitator: Mayra Almanza, LMFT (she/her), is a formerly undocumented Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist living in Southern California. She has worked in the non-profit mental health sector for over 10 years in various roles, ranging from administrative coordination to clinical work and supervision. Her lived experiences guide the way she engages clients in therapy. Mayra’s commitment to providing mental health services that are equitable, accessible, and affordable led to the creation of her business, Contigo Counseling Inc., which is focused on serving the undocumented community.
Are These Groups for You?
If you’re wondering whether our Wellness Support Groups are the right fit, here is what you need to know. These groups are right for you if:
- You are a student in a postsecondary education institution (e.g., a 2-year or 4-year college or university, trade or technical school, or vocational program). Note: If you are enrolled in a 4-year college or university, you must be an undergraduate student to participate.
- You are attending an educational institution in one of the following states: California, Arizona, Texas, Illinois, New York, or Florida.
- You are undocumented.
- You are 18 or older.
- You feel comfortable conversing in English.
- You have a tool to join virtual meetings (phone, laptop, etc.).
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Note: This round, we’re celebrating our partners who helped get the word out! For groups meeting from January to March 2026, priority registration will be given to students connected to one of the following educational institutions or nonprofit organizations: Scholarship A–Z, Undocumented Student Resource Center at Northern Illinois University, and Dream Center at Reedley Community College. If your organization or institution is not on the list, please reach out to explore a partnership for this round or future iterations of the Wellness Support Groups. Email Naja at [email protected]. |
Have Questions?
If you have any questions, please check out our Participant FAQ.
Facilitators for Groups Starting in January
Akiah T. R. Selwa, LMFT, SEP (Adv II) |
Jose Perez, LMFT |
Kissu Taffere, LCSW |
Mayra Almanza, LMFT |
Immigrants Rising’s Educational Transitions Coaching provides undocumented students mentorship and guidance to successfully transition to their next stage in life.
Immigrants Rising Coaches are experts in working directly with undocumented students. Our coaches will work with you to achieve the goals that you identify between January and May 2022. Coaches support you through active listening, asking questions, and being fully invested in your success. They provide a safe space for you to envision and plan your next steps. Our coaches are part of a network of other undocumented folks and will be able to connect you to a supportive community as well.
Who is this for?
Educational Transitions Coaching is for students who:
- Attend or are affiliated with one of our Catalyst Fund Campuses
- Are foreign-born
- Do not have permanent residency (green card) or citizenship in the U.S.
- Are available to receive coaching for a span of up to 4 months
What can I expect from coaching?
You will meet with your coach in a 1-1 video zoom call once a week to discuss your situation and empower your actions.
Your coach can support you with:
- Setting academic goals and academic support
- Career/post-graduation income generation
- Guidance on what actions will most impact your goals
- Legal, academic, and mental health resources
- Navigating family dynamics
When does coaching begin?
We are not currently accepting any new coaching participants.
Click here for answers to more Commonly Asked Questions.
California state laws and policies protect access to public higher education for students who are undocumented—including students without DACA, TPS, or other forms of temporary status. Whether you are just beginning to explore your options after completing high school or your GED, currently enrolled in a California college or university, or newly seeing higher education as a possibility, our resources are here to support your academic journey.
Understand In-State Tuition/AB 540
Being AB 540-eligible is often the first step in accessing in-state tuition rates, state-based financial aid, and some private scholarships for undocumented students. Learn about what AB 540 is and how you can meet the requirements or take steps to build eligibility if you’re not yet qualified.
Get Financial Aid
Understand the process, timeline, and steps to apply to the CA Dream Act Application (CADAA), the state financial aid application for undocumented students. Financial aid has three general areas available for eligible undocumented students: grants, scholarships, and loans. You don’t have to pay back grants and scholarships, but you do have to pay back loans. Remember, you have the agency to seek support and choose what you accept as part of your school’s financial aid package.
- CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) Map
- Step 1: CA Dream Act Application Checklist
- Step 2: Cal Grant Checklist
- Types of Financial Aid Available for Undocumented Students
Find Additional Support
Get resources to support you in all parts of your educational journey. Access additional materials on CA in-state tuition, financial aid, and campus support. Find opportunities to tend to your mental health, kickstart your entrepreneurship journey, and support your career goals.
- Quick Guide to College Access
- Applying for Scholarships & Fellowships
- List of our resources on Higher Education
- Mental Health Resources
- Making Money Resources
- Career Resources
- Presidents’ Alliance’s Graduate and Professional Student Resource Hub
Find Immigration Legal Help
Learn about your immigration options by connecting with reliable legal support. Get tips and resources to find trustworthy providers across California. Understand the free legal resources available to you if you’re attending a CA Community College (CCC), CA State University (CSU), or University of California (UC) institution.
- Getting Legal Help
- CA Community Colleges’ Find Your Ally: Higher Education Legal Services
- CA State University’s (CSU) Legal Support Services
- University of California’s (UC) Immigrant Legal Services Center
Know Your Rights
Understand your rights, including the policies that protect the information you share on your financial aid application (CADAA). Remember and review your constitutional rights when interacting with immigration agents or local police (on- and off- campus) authorities or participating in protests.
- CA Student Aid Commission (CSAC)’s Protection of Student Information for CADAA Applicants
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)’s Red Cards
- National Immigration Law Center (NILC)’s Know Your Rights: Immigrants’ Participation in Protests
Stay Connected
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If you are an UndocuEducator or an ally, sign up for our UndocuDigest for Higher Education. |