The University of California has devoted substantial time and resources to examining ways to expand the opportunities and support we provide to undocumented students. This program provides additional resources to help our undocumented students learn, thrive, and build a path toward their professional futures.
Beginning Spring 2024, the University of California has expanded experiential learning opportunities for non-DACA, AB 540 undocumented students enrolled in state-supported degree programs. Eligible students can receive fellowships when they enroll in credit-bearing experiential learning courses.
Experiential Learning Defined
An experiential learning course at UCLA integrates academic theory with practical application through hands-on experiences, such as internships, fieldwork, community engagement, or research projects. These courses provide students with opportunities to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and professional skills while gaining real-world knowledge and insights.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Presidential Fellowship for Experiential Learning, a student must meet the following criteria:
- Be an Undergraduate, Graduate, or Professional Student
- Be a California Dream Act Applicant (CADAA) with a timely and complete application, before the March 2nd Priority Submission Deadline.
- Be within the Federal Pell Grant range (Student Aid Index/SAI less than $7,395).
- Be enrolled in one of the following courses for regular academic school terms (Fall/Winter/Spring):
- Any XP course (e.g., CCAS 100XP)
- Learn more about Community-Engaged Courses
- Any 99, 195, 195CE, 198, or 199 course
- Learn more about the 195CE Courses
- Any RES PRC 96, 99, 192A, or 192B course
- Any XP course (e.g., CCAS 100XP)
- Cannot be enrolled or be participating in the California for All College Corps
Graduate Students:
- Graduate-level courses:Courses numbered 200 or above, including 500-level courses, may qualify. The graduate academic or program advisor will need to determine this and submit a copy of the course syllabus to the Fellowship Coordinator.
- Experiential learning:Field experience, internships, or other practical courses could meet the criteria, but the specific department or program advisor makes the final determination.
Award Amounts
Students who meet the eligibility criteria may receive up to $2,400 per quarter, not exceeding $7,200 for the academic school year.
- The fellowship is intended to offset educational expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
- The awarding of the fellowship may result in the adjustment of aid to keep within the cost of attendance as well as financial need as determined as CADAA (CA Dream Application)
Award Disbursement
Fellowship funds will be disbursed in equal installments at the beginning of each quarter (Fall, Winter, Spring) for which the student is eligible.
- To receive the fellowship, students must be enrolled in the qualifying course for the entire quarter and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
- The fellowship coordinator will confirm enrollment in the eligible course for the term and award the fellowship once the class enrollment is confirmed.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
To continue receiving the fellowship, students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined by UCLA's academic progress policy.
- Failure to maintain SAP may result in the suspension or termination of the fellowship.
Additional Considerations
The University reserves the right to modify or terminate the Presidential Fellowship for Experiential Learning program at any time.
- Students who receive other scholarships or grants may be subject to adjustments in their financial aid package.
- The fellowship is non-transferable and cannot be applied to previous academic terms.
Contact
For any questions or inquiries about the Presidential Fellowship for Experiential Learning Program, you may contact, make sure provide your 9 Digit Student UCLA ID:
Gustavo Alberto Sanchez, M.Ed
Presidential Fellowship Coordinator