Paulina Ruiz
Scholar
"As someone who is both disabled and undocumented, I’ve always wanted to become a lawyer in order to be my own voice and advocate for my own community."
Relationship: Scholar
“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!
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Pre-Law 101 WebinarAre 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 February 9, 2023. |
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Pre-Law BootcampIf 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. |
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Pre-Law FundPre-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. |
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Pre-Law Program Alumni NetworkBy 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.
Ju Hong
Leadership Council, Scholar
"I've had DACA since 2012. I've been undocumented since 2001. And I'm 31 years old and I want to have peace of mind and live a normal life."
Karen Hernandez
Scholar
"I moved to Canada because I eventually want to have kids and I couldn’t see that happening in the States."
Are you applying, re-entering or already enrolled in a California college or university? Make sure you’re getting all the funding you’re eligible for and the support you need with these helpful resources designed for undocumented individuals pursuing an undergraduate degree.
FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR INDIVIDUAL SITUATION
DON’T MISS OUT ON CA DREAM ACT
Check Out Our Resources
QUICK GUIDE TO COLLEGE ACCESS
Take a look at these resources on CA in-state tuition eligibility, financial aid, and scholarships.
Take a look at these resources on CA in-state tuition eligibility, financial aid, and scholarships.
CA DREAM ACT MAP
Navigate the process of applying for financial aid with this helpful tool.
CA DREAM ACT AND CAL GRANT APPLICATION CHECKLISTS
Review these checklists to ensure that you’ve completed the necessary steps to be considered for all state financial aid, including the Cal Grant and Middle-Class Scholarship.
APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
Explore these online databases of scholarships that don’t require proof of citizenship.
Stay Connected
Women’s March San Francisco 2020
Inclusion & Change Group, Scholar, Staff
"I march in gratitude for educators like Rosa Maria, my ESL teacher from Costa Rica, whom I met in Los Angeles when I was 17," said Marithza. "Her classroom was the only safe place that I had; it was the only place where I felt heard and seen. I left Rosa Maria’s class a year later with a new language, a new community and a commitment to my education."
“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
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 2023 for the 2024-2025 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)
Applications are due at 11:59 p.m. PT on Monday, May 22, 2023.
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 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
Denia Perez
Creative Writing Class, High School Engagement, Legal Services Team, Program Participant, Scholar, Staff
"Immigrants are resourceful, resilient people who have the same dreams as generations who came before us"