The Role of School Agents in Undocumented Students' Access to Financial Aid Resources

Undocumented students encounter tremendous barriers in pursuing their educational goals because they are barred from federal financial aid for postsecondary education and must rely on private and institutional sources of funding. This project will examine the crucial role played by chool agents—including teachers, counselors, and social workers— in locating and providing financial aid information and resources to undocumented youth. Diaz-Strong will examine how high school agents learn about and disseminate information to undocumented students and the challenges they encounter in this task. Diaz-Strong will also examine gaps in the availability of scholarships and institutional aid for undocumented students.