Dreamers

DREAMER RESOURCE CENTER

A monarch butterly landing on a green leaf.

The DREAMer Resource Center provides holistic support for immigrant-origin students and allies at Portland State University, including educational and career readiness, scholarships, 1:1 resource navigation, community building, advocacy, and leadership development opportunities. We believe that education and all the opportunities It creates should be accessible to everyone. Immigration status or experience should not be a barrier to education access or success, and we seek to create a culture that celebrates the strength and persistence of DREAMers and allies. Everyone is welcome in our space.

Portland State University is committed to being a welcoming place of support, access, and inclusion for all. As a designated sanctuary campus, the Portland State community is committed to protecting and supporting all of our students, regardless of immigration status, national origin, religion, or any similar characteristics. We honor, respect, embrace, and value the unique contributions of all students, faculty, employees, volunteers, and our local and global communities.

MISSION

 

The DREAMer Resource Center is a safe, supportive space for Dreamers and immigrant-origin students, regardless of status, at Portland State University. The center serves as a central resource where students see themselves represented, celebrated, and have access to direct support tailored to the Dreamer experience in higher education. We unapologetically advocate with and for Dreamers and allies to heal historic harms and dismantle oppressive, exclusionary systemic barriers that directly affect the  PSU DREAMer community. We strive to build a vibrant and diverse community through relevant and specific programming for personal, academic, and professional development, fostering empowerment, self-advocacy, persistence, and excellence in higher education 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.

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.

Information and Resources for Students, Staff, and Faculty

SEE RESOURCES

GET HELP

We have put together a comprehensive list of Dreamer resources that are available at PSU, as well as those offered by organizations in the community.

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: November 1, 2024

Application Closes: February 28, 2025

Awardees Notified: Late April 2025

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

Learn More about this content

 

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Hours & Location

Monday - Friday 9 AM - 5 PM

CRAMER HALL 428 (4TH FLOOR SKY BRIDGE)

Getting to our space

A PSU ID is required to access the 4th Floor Sky Bridge between SMSU and CH. Visitors can get to us from the Broadway entrance of SMSU or through Cramer via the Pedestrian Trail

Photo showing entrance with a Dreamer Resource Center sign surrounded by monarch butterflies

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

 

VOLUNTEER WITH US! about this content

Every dollar you contribute plays a vital role in shaping the future of our Dreamers. Your support directly translates into tangible resources and opportunities that empower our students to thrive. Here’s how your generous contributions are used and the essential resources we aspire to secure for our learners:

**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 and creating a brighter future for our community. Join us in this mission, and let's empower the next generation together!

$100
  • The fee to submit one Application for Consideration for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (Form I-1821D, PLEASE NOTE: This program is currently NOT processing new applications) Or the fee to submit two applications for Temporary Protected Status (Form I-821) 
  • A trip to the grocery store to purchase snacks and beverages for the center, 
  • An emergency fund payment to buy supplies, and textbooks, pay utility bills, help with rent, or other cost of living expenses
$250
  • One Refugee Travel Document fee (Form I-131)
  • Three hours' worth of speaker fees for DREAMer alums and other Lived Experience Experts coming back to speak with our students about their struggles, successes, and words of inspiration.
$500
$1,000
  • 91% of one Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant submitted with CBP or USCIS (Form I-192)
  • Two DACA or USCIS Renewal Scholarship
$2,000
  • One Educational Leadership Service Award (ELSA)- a compensated position that is co-curricular to a student's area of study, preparing them for success after graduation.
  • FOUR DACA or USCIS Renewal Scholarships

 

DONATE NOW! about this content

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.