Building a Campus Where All Students, Regardless of Status, Can Thrive
Founded in 2016, the Undocumented Students and Allies Association (USAA) was established to create a safe and supportive space for undocumented students at SCU. Recognizing the challenges faced by immigrant students in accessing higher education, legal resources, and financial support, USAA has worked tirelessly to advocate for policies that promote inclusion and equity. Since its founding, our organization has built a strong coalition of students, faculty, and allies committed to making our campus a more immigration-friendly space.
At USAA, we believe that every student—regardless of immigration status—deserves the opportunity to succeed. Through our advocacy efforts and resource initiatives, we provide students with the tools they need to navigate their educational journey. One of our most impactful contributions is our support for the Cabrini Fund, which provides financial assistance to students who are often marginalized. This fund helps cover essential needs such as legal expenses, emergency travel, and applied learning experiences like volunteering, shadowing, and unpaid internships. By supporting this fund, we help ensure that students facing some of the most significant financial and legal obstacles can continue their education and reach their full potential.
In addition to financial aid, USAA invests in building a strong and empowered community. Donations also support key initiatives that help undocumented students feel a sense of belonging and leadership on campus. Every year, we host our biggest annual gala, a celebration of resilience, achievements, and solidarity within our community. Contributions allow us to expand our efforts by hosting workshops, networking events, and mentorship programs that connect undocumented students with allies, faculty, staff, alumni, and the greater community who are dedicated to their success.
The funds would also enable us to organize retreats, where members can reflect, build connections, and develop leadership skills in a safe and supportive environment. Additionally, we would be able to work toward providing opportunities for students to attend conferences, where they can connect with national networks, share knowledge, and bring valuable resources back to our campus. We also seek to develop more career-focused initiatives, including internship placements, professional development resources, and leadership training, so that we can continue to advocate for institutional change and push for policies that provide greater protection and opportunities for students on campus.
While these initiatives have made a profound impact, we recognize that there is still more work to be done. In addition to these efforts, we aim to expand our work by creating more leadership development programs, strengthening our mentorship network, and increasing access to professional opportunities for students. We hope to provide more funding for applied learning experiences, establish stronger institutional partnerships, and create more spaces for undocumented students and allies to thrive personally and professionally. With continued support, we can grow our reach, uplift more students, and create lasting change."USAA has given me a voice and a support system I never thought I’d have on campus." — USAA Member
Your support allows us to continue our mission of empowering undocumented students and ensuring they have the resources, community, and opportunities they need to thrive. Together, we can make our university a place where every student feels seen, valued, and supported.
