Golden Door Scholars Seeking 10th Anniversary Class of Undocumented Scholars Despite Current DACA Debate

Non-profit currently accepting applicants for four-year college scholarship and mentorship program

September 29, 2021 - Golden Door Scholars (GDS), a nonprofit that invests in  undocumented students to help them achieve their dreams through college scholarships and career readiness, is currently accepting applications for their four-year college scholarship program from now through October 10th. In addition to a scholarship, GDS scholars also have access to mentors, internship, job search support, and professional growth opportunities. 

For the 98,000 undocumented students in the U.S. who graduate high school each year, college is financially out of reach or means crippling debt. Unlike their peers, they do not qualify for federal financial aid and are not eligible for  in-state tuition in most states.  With many private college educations costing students over $200,000, this makes a college degree all but unattainable. GDS provides high-achieving undocumented students across the nation with the educational and career opportunities to build a brighter future for themselves and their families - focusing specifically on STEM to make high-earning careers more accessible and to enable economic mobility. 

“As we accept applications for our tenth class, it is a bittersweet moment. In 2021, immigration status shouldn’t determine opportunity. Tenacity and hard work should, yet our congressional leaders continue to turn their backs on these deserving young people and fail to act on immigration reform, ” said Kacey Grantham, Executive Director of Golden Door Scholars. “When supported with the resources to invest in their education, our scholars have proven time and time again they can redefine their futures and give back to their communities. We hope to support as many students as possible, but are looking forward to the day where there is a level playing field.”

With the urgent and uncertain state of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), the work and support of GDS is more important than ever. While yesterday’s move by the Biden Administration to protect DACA is promising, the current uncertainty surrounding legislation leaves the future of current GDS scholars and alumni like Maggie hanging in the balance. Maggie, a Class of 2018 GDS scholar and summa cum laude graduate of N.C. State University, almost didn’t become the first in her family to get a Bachelor’s degree.

“I had a 4.0 GPA, but was on the verge of dropping out of college due to the overwhelming costs. Golden Door Scholars helped change my life - reminding me I am more than my status and helping me realize my full potential,” said Maggie, who graduated with a degree in Math, a computer science minor and now works as an Engineer at Red Ventures and volunteers with numerous non-profits, including GDS . “I want other undocumented youth to know, you’re not alone. We are here. We support you, and we will fight for you.”

Since its founding in 2013 by Red Ventures CEO Ric Elias, GDS has awarded scholarships to nearly 500 students across the U.S. Approximately 200 GDS  alumni are currently working at top companies such as Apple, Oracle, Microsoft, Red Ventures and Google, or are earning graduate degrees at schools such as Duke University and Wake Forest University. Currently, 277 GDS scholars are attending one of the program’s 50 partner institutions. 

How to Apply: Interested students should review eligibility guidelines and apply at https://www.goldendoorscholars.org/apply-now by October 10, 2021 at 11:59 pm EST.

About Golden Door Scholars

Golden Door Scholars (GDS) is a nonprofit founded in 2013 to invest in education and career access for high-performing undocumented students. In the U.S., nearly 98,000 undocumented students graduate from high school each year. To date, GDS has supported nearly 500 scholars. Currently, the program supports 277  scholars attending schools such Duke University, Emory University, and Wake Forest University. GDS has 189 graduates pursuing graduate degrees or working at companies such as Apple, Google, Red Ventures, Accenture, and more . Learn more at www.goldendoorscholars.org.