Dreamers

DREAMER RESOURCE CENTER

A monarch butterly landing on a green leaf.

The DREAMer Resource Center provides holistic support for immigrant-origin students at Portland State University. Our services include educational and career readiness programs, scholarships, one-on-one resource navigation, community building, advocacy, and leadership development opportunities. We believe education—and the opportunities it creates—should be accessible to everyone. Immigration status or experience should never be a barrier to success. Our center works to foster a culture that celebrates the resilience, strength, and persistence of immigrant-origin students and their communities. Everyone is welcome in our space.

At Portland State University, we are deeply committed to being a welcoming place of support, access, and inclusion for all. As a designated sanctuary campus, PSU is dedicated to protecting and uplifting every student—regardless of immigration status, national origin, religion, or other identity. We honor and value the unique contributions of our students, faculty, staff, and community members, and we embrace the diversity that makes our campus strong.

 

At the DREAMer Resource Center, we strive to:

  1. Create belonging – Provide a safe, supportive space where immigrant-origin students feel seen, valued, and celebrated.
  2. Offer tailored support – Connect students with resources that address the unique experiences of DACAmented, undocumented, asylum seekers, refugees, TPS holders, and other immigrant-origin communities.
  3. Build community – Foster friendships, solidarity, and collective empowerment across campus through events, workshops, and peer connections.
  4. Promote growth – Support personal, academic, and professional development that strengthens persistence and excellence in higher education and beyond.
  5. Advocate for equity – Stand with students to challenge systemic barriers, heal historic harms, and expand access to opportunity.
  6. Celebrate diversity – Highlight the contributions, resilience, and leadership of immigrant-origin students within the PSU community.
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MISSION

The DREAMer Resource Center is a safe and supportive space for all members of the PSU community. Our programs specialize in serving immigrant-origin students—including DACAmented, undocumented, asylum seekers, refugees, and students with Temporary Protected Status (TPS)—alongside friends and supporters who walk in solidarity, regardless of immigration status. The center serves as a central hub where students are represented, celebrated, and connected to direct support tailored to the unique experiences of Dreamers in higher education.

We unapologetically advocate with and for our community to heal historic harms and challenge systemic barriers that have excluded or marginalized students. Through relevant and intentional programming, we strive to foster personal, academic, and professional growth, while building a vibrant and diverse community rooted in empowerment, self-advocacy, persistence, and excellence—at PSU and beyond.

VISION

We envision a university-wide environment that understands the complexity of the intersectional identities of Dreamers, works intentionally to engage the rich diversity of individuals, and fosters student communities whose experiences and perspectives are foundational to their empowerment and the advancement of Portland State University.

 

Guiding Principles

Equity & Inclusion
Every student deserves access to education and resources, regardless of immigration status.

Community-Centered
Students’ lived experiences and voices guide our priorities and practices.

Empowerment & Advocacy
We dismantle systemic barriers and amplify immigrant-origin student leadership.

Healing & Resilience
We honor historic harms while fostering spaces of care, hope, and collective healing.

Intersectionality
We embrace the multiple, overlapping identities that shape students’ experiences.

Collaboration & Solidarity
We partner with allies across campus and the community to build stronger networks of support.

Excellence & Persistence
We uphold high standards in our work and encourage students to persist with pride.

An Important Message about the Status of DACA

On September 13, 2023, a federal court upheld a previous ruling, finding DACA unlawful, but has maintained the limited program for current DACA recipients who received their status before July 16, 2021. PSU maintains support for DREAMer students, and released a statement on the court's September 2021 decision. To learn how this decision may affect you, schedule a time to meet with an attorney at Student Legal Services.

 

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Information and Resources for Students, Staff, and Faculty

SEE RESOURCES

Get Help

Looking for support? Explore our curated list of Dreamer resources—on campus and in the community—covering academics, wellness, financial aid, and more. Access through our Google Site with your PSU login.

VISIT THE DREAMER STUDENT RESOURCE HUB

READ THE STATEMENTS

PSU STATEMENTS

Read all of the statements pertaining to DACA made by members of the Portland State University leadership.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

CONNECT WITH THE DREAMER RESOURCE CENTER PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Joanna is the Program Coordinator for the DREAMer Resource Center. She can provide one-on-one support in navigating PSU and community resources, as well as DACA/undocumented-friendly scholarships, career readiness, and advocacy.

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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Remember, you have the right to:

1.    Remain silent
2.    Not open the door
3.    Speak with an attorney
4.    Not sign anything
5.    Show Red Card

If you have come in contact with ICE
1.    Stay calm, don’t run
2.    Don’t show false documents
3.    Know your family plan
4.    It’s your decision

Make a Family Preparedness Plan

CONOZCA SUS DERECHOS

Recuerda, que tiene derecho a

1.    Mantener silencio
2.    No abrir la puerta
3.    Hablar con un/a abogado/a
4.    No firmar nada
5.    Mostrar la tarjeta roja

Si ha estado en contacto con ICE
1.   Mantengase tranquilo, no correr 
2.    No mostrar documentos falsos
3.    Conozca sus plan familiar
4.    Es su decision

Haga un Plan de Preparación Familiar

Important Dates

Application Opens: Early November

Application Closes: End of February

Awardees Notified: Late April 

Download TheDream.US Application Guide about this content

About The National Scholarship & TheDream.US

The National Scholarship Award will cover up to $8,250 per year/$33,000 in tuition and mandatory fees at Portland State University and other partner colleges. Scholars also receive a $500 quarterly stipend to help offset the cost of books and supplies. If accepted and you maintain eligibility, you can renew yearly; there is no need to reapply!  Even if you may have your tuition covered,  you can still apply to receive a zero-award and get access to TheDream.US online Scholar Community, resources for graduate school, professional development, and professional networks.

TheDream.US is the nation’s largest college and career success program for undocumented immigrant youth, providing over 10,000 college scholarships to Dreamers attending 80+ partner colleges in 20+ states and Washington, DC.

 

Eligibility 2025 - 2026 Academic Year

  1. You are undocumented and came to the United States before November 1, 2019, and have continuously lived in the U.S. since then or have DACA or TPS.
  2. Came to the U.S. before age 16. If you were born in the U.S. – you are not eligible for the scholarship, but you can find other resources in the PSU Scholarship Universe!
  3. Graduated, will graduate high school, OR are a currently enrolled college student with a GPA of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale
  4. Intend to enroll full-time in a bachelor’s degree program at a PSU or other Partner College in the Fall of 2024 or Spring of 2025.
  5. Are eligible for in-state tuition. Click here to learn more about Oregon's Tuition Equity Law and eligibility.

Preparation

You will need:

  • To apply and be accepted to Portland State or another Oregon Partner College before February 28, 2025
  • High school and/or Community College Transcripts
  • Financial information from parents (dependent students) or yourself (independent).
  • Responsibilities, including academic achievements, volunteer, and home
  • Your essay!

For an essay, application review, or other 1:1 support, email dreamers@pdx.edu

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Hours & Location

CONTACT US

Joanna, DREAMer Resource Center Program Coordinator

dreamers@pdx.edu | (503) 725-9973 (call or text)

Email to schedule an in-person or virtual appointment

 

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Fuel Dreams, Fund Futures

Every dollar you give helps shape the future of PSU Dreamers—students whose resilience and determination inspire us all. Your generosity translates into scholarships, mentorship, and direct support that empower students to pursue their education and thrive in life.

Your gift creates impact through:
🌟 Direct Support for Students
📚 Enriching Educational Resources
🤝 Community and Mentorship Programs

By investing in our Dreamers, you’re not just donating—you’re transforming lives, breaking down barriers, and building a brighter future for our community. Together, we can empower the next generation of leaders.

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COLLABORATE WITH US

We seek to collaborate with students, community partners, university units, and student organizations. Collaborative events include using DREAMer Resource Center staff time, resources, and systems beyond our physical spaces. Please submit a request through our email, dreamers@pdx.edu.

OUR COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT 

  • PSU students are at the center of our work
  • Community growth depends on the inclusion of every individual voice
  • We respect others and ourselves
  • Our goal is not to agree, but rather, to gain a deeper understanding
  • No alcohol or drugs on the premises or in the body
  • We do not tolerate hate speech, derogatory language/actions, or oppressive language/actions.
  • We reserve the right to refuse service
  • Our student centers are vibrant, lively, and not noise-controlled spaces

ACCESSIBILITY ACCOMMODATIONS

There are three accessible entrances to the DREAMer Resource Center. One from Smith Memorial Student Union at the SW Broadway entrance and two from the SW Pedestrian Trail through either Cramer Hall or Smith. Please see the SMSU floor plan or Cramer Hall building maps for more information.

We do our best to create events with accessibility in mind. However, if you feel you may need additional accessibility or support in order to enjoy any of our programs fully, please let us know! You may also contact the Disability Resource Center for more in-depth information. Service animals are always welcome. Non-service animals, including Emotional Support animals, are not allowed in our space.