“I realized that I am not alone on this journey. So many other undocumented folks also want to become lawyers.” — Stephanie Medina, Pre-Law Fund Grantee

Get info relevant to undocumented students

Become part of our growing network

Be in community while you apply to law school(s)

Become eligible for the Pre-Law Fund1

Immigrants Rising’s Pre-Law Program is for current undergraduate students and those with a bachelor’s degree, who are interested in applying to law school. Whether you’ve just started exploring the possibility of law school or are ready to apply in the upcoming academic year, we’re confident that we’ll have something for you!

	Pre-Law 101 Webinar Are you curious about law school but not yet sure if it’s for you? Attend this webinar to get a glimpse of the law school admissions process and what pursuing a legal career entails—through the lens of an undocumented person! Watch the webinar from Thursday, November 7, 2024.
	Pre-Law Bootcamp If you know you want to pursue a legal career, but are unsure about the steps you need to take and/or when you want to apply to law schools—this program is for you! Our four-day Pre-Law Bootcamp is designed to provide undocumented young people interested in applying to law school with extra support navigating the process and a community of other pre-law students and legal professionals. Learn more.
	Pre-Law Fund Pre-Law Bootcamp participants can receive financial support to apply to law schools in the upcoming academic year! Through our Pre-Law Fund, we offer $2,500 grants to low-income immigrants to cover the cost of LSAT preparations and law school applications. Learn more.
	Pre-Law Program Alumni Network By participating in our Pre-Law Program, you will be part of a growing alumni network of undocumented pre-law students, law school students, and legal professionals!

^[1] Pre-Law Fund is available to only those who have completed the Pre-Law Bootcamp.

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.

• AB 540 Quick Guide
• CA In-State Tuition Tool
• AB 540 Attendance Worksheet

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

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

	Get email updates about going to college in California and what’s new in the Immigrants Rising community.
	If you are an UndocuEducator or an ally, sign up for our UndocuDigest for Higher Education.

Inspirational Stories

“I realized that I am not alone on this journey. So many other undocumented folks also want to become lawyers.” — Stephanie Medina, 2020 Participant

Immigrants Rising’s Pre-Law Fund will provide grants to low-income immigrants who are planning to attend law school. We provide grants of up to $2,500 to cover LSAT preparation (courses, tutoring, self-study materials, etc) and law school application fees. In addition to financial support, recipients will be connected to Immigrants Rising’s network of legal professionals.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must have participated in all 4 days of Immigrants Rising’s Pre-Law Bootcamp
• Foreign-born
• Demonstrate financial need
• Do not have permanent residency (green card) or citizenship in the U.S.
• Currently attending or have graduated from a college or university
• Intending to apply to law schools in Fall 2025 for the 2026-2027 admission
• At least a 3.0 GPA or equivalent on a 4.0 scale in college (or provide an explanation of extenuating circumstances if GPA is lower than 3.0)

Note: Your responses to the Pre-Law Bootcamp application and this Pre-Law Fund application will be used to consider your candidacy for the 2025 Pre-Law Fund.

Applications are due on Friday, February 28, 2025.

Thank You!

This year’s Pre-Law Fund is made possible because of the generous financial support of these incredible donors: Kathryn Abrams, Tanya Broder & Theodore Wang, Yuen & Sandra Gin, The Arturo & Rosa González Family Giving Fund, Johanna Hartwig & Stefano DeZerega, Barry Hovis, Elizabeth J. Kramer Charitable Fund, Francine Lipman, Nakada Hoang Donor Advised Fund, Jeannie & Christopher Rhee, Larry Hilblom Foundation.

Want to make a donation to support the Pre-Law Fund? Please contact Beleza Chan.

Meet our 2024 Pre-Law Fund Recipients
Meet our 2023 Pre-Law Fund Recipients
Meet our 2022 Pre-Law Fund Recipients
Meet our 2021 Pre-Law Fund Recipients
Meet our 2020 Pre-Law Fund Recipients