Moraine Valley Community College is a world-class, learning-centered college where diversity and inclusion are essential to the way we achieve our mission and where everyone is entitled to an excellent educational experience regardless of citizenship status.
Through Illinois Bill HB60 (aka Acevedo Bill In-State Tuition Bill:), undocumented students with or without Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), are eligible for in-state tuition. Read more about the bill.
Undocumented Student Resource Liaisons
You can schedule an in-person meeting or over-the-phone conversation. We want to ensure that students feel welcomed and honored in whatever identity they hold.
Aurora Medina Zwick
Liaison for Undocumented Student Support
Manager, English Language Learner Center
Multi-Cultural Student Affairs
708-974-5718
zwick@morainevalley.edu
Andriana Esparza
Liaison for Undocumented Student Support
Admissions Recruiter
Admissions and Recruitment
708-974-5356
esparzaa75@morainevalley.edu
Simon Sieczka
Financial Aid Coordinator
Financial Aid
(708) 608-4156
sieczkas2@morainevalley.edu
Financial Support
Undocumented/DACA students currently cannot apply for federal financial aid (FAFSA).
Undocumented/DACA students can apply for funds through the Retention of Illinois Students and Equity (RISE) Act. The RISE Act allows eligible, undocumented students who are disqualified from federal financial aid to apply for all forms of state financial aid. The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid provides a way for these qualified students to apply for Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants, the state's largest need-based grant program for low-income college students.
Applying for Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) Programs undocumented students may be eligible to apply for ISAC’s programs if they meet all of these criteria, which are based on Illinois statute regarding in-state tuition eligibility:
- the individual resided with his or her parent or guardian while attending an Illinois public or private high school;
- the individual graduated from a public or private high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in Illinois;
- the individual attended school in Illinois for at least 3 years as of the date the individual graduated from high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma;
- the individual provides an affidavit stating that the individual will file an application to become a permanent resident of the United States at the earliest opportunity the individual is eligible to do so; and
- the individual has not established a residence outside of Illinois.
How to Apply Instead of completing the Free Federal for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to begin the MAP application process, an application for MAP grants is available to eligible students online. The data from the application will be used to calculate an expected family contribution (EFC), which is used in determining a student’s MAP eligibility.
You can start this application at morainevalley.edu/alternativeapp.
Moraine Valley Foundation Scholarships
The Moraine Valley Foundation offers scholarships ranging from $250 to $5,000 for both incoming and current Moraine Valley students.
These scholarships are gift aid, which means you do not have to repay them or earn them by working.
To learn more about the Moraine Valley Foundation scholarships, visit morainevalley.edu/scholarships.
For Moraine Valley scholarships specifically for undocumented/DACA students, contact:
Aurora Medina Zwick
Liaison for Undocumented Student Support
Manager, English Language Learner Center
Multi-cultural Student Affairs
(708) 974-5718
zwick@morainevalley.edu
You may apply for scholarships at any time throughout the year; however, the most scholarships are available in the application period Feb. 1 through March 31.
Mental Health and Wellness
College can be difficult, especially when balancing school along with other responsibilities such as work and family. Our staff understands that our students have busy, fast-paced lives and sometimes need help navigating their challenges.
Students can see a counselor for any number of reasons, which can include short-term counseling services for personal issues, including relationship issues, conflicts with parents or peers, sexual assault/domestic violence, anxiety, depression, struggles with substance abuse or identity issues (sexual, cultural, etc.). All services are confidential and your information is kept private.
External Resources
Here is a list of additional resources and links outside of Moraine Valley. Moraine Valley Community College is not affiliated with any of the following associations and information may be subject to change.
U.S. Citizens and Immigration Services (USCIS)
This page provides the most current information on deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA).
Informed Immigrant
Learn about your rights and share with your family, friends, and community to stay safe, informed, and empowered.
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
Many non-profit organizations and private attorneys offer help with immigration legal matters.
Immi
Immi connects immigrants with nonprofit legal experts across the U.S. to get the legal assistance they need.
Immigration Advocates Network
Resources for nonprofit advocates, organizers and service providers.
National Immigration Law Center
Established in 1979, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is one of the leading organizations in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of immigrants with low income.
Pro Bono Net
This site provides resources for pro bono and legal services attorneys and others working to assist low-income or disadvantaged clients.
The Anhelo Project Dream Scholarship
The Anhelo Project is a non-for-profit organization that consists of a group of student leaders and professionals from various educational institutions and community-based organizations in Chicago.
CHCI Scholar-Intern Programs (Must be a DACA recipient)
CHCI offers several Scholar-Intern Programs that provide not only monetary support, but hands-on experience in various fields.
Chicano Organizing & Research in Education (CORE)
DACA Scholars (App for iOS devices)
DACA Scholars is the connection between undocumented college students and scholarship opportunities, with a complete list of: Scholarships, Immigration news, Videos, Push notifications, Tips on applying for scholarships, Bilingual information and much more!
DDLR Scholarship Fund
This is a scholarship in memory of Dennis De La Rosa an undocumented student.
DREAMer’s Roadmap (mobile app for Android and iPhone)
Helping undocumented students find scholarship opportunities through a mobile app.
Golden Apple Scholars (Must be a DACA recipient)
The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois is a scholarship program that identifies talented high school seniors, as well as first and second-year college students who have the promise and drive to be excellent teachers in high-need schools.
Golden Door Scholars (Must be a DACA recipient)
Golden Door scholarship recipients receive up to four-year tuition and room & board scholarships to DACA and TPS students from tuition lock-out states all over the country.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund (Must be a DACA recipient)
The HSF Scholarship is designed to assist students of Hispanic heritage to obtain a college degree.
Immigrant Student Scholarship Guide
My Undocumented Life
Listing of scholarships open to undocumented students.
Point Foundation
Point Foundation (Point) empowers promising lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential.
The Dream.US (Must be a DACA recipient)
We believe that DREAMers should have the opportunity to realize the American dream of obtaining a college education and contributing to the prosperity of our nation.
An Undocumented Student's Guide to College in Illinois
Counselor Guide for Resources for Undocumented Students
Immigrants Rising
Top 10 Ways to Support Undocumented Students
Informed Immigrant
Resources 101: Important Info for Immigrants & Allies
U.S. Department of Education
Educational Resources for Immigrants, Refugees, Asylees and other New Americans
Know Your Rights
Non-Citizens' Rights Under The United States Constitution
- The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to remain silent -- to not answer questions asked by a police officer or any other governmental official.
- The Fourth Amendment restricts the government’s power to enter your home, workplace or search your car.
- The First Amendment protects your right to speak freely and to advocate for social change. Realize that immigration officials can target you based on your political activities if you are a non-citizen and are deportable.
- Immigration officials are now part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS has three sections: The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS), The Bureau of Customs and Border Control and The Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Contact Us
Get answers from our liaison for undocumented students
All questions and information is kept private and confidential.
