The Internship and Career Center (ICC) is committed to providing undocumented/AB 540 students with professional and career development services and resources. Undocumented students have a number of opportunities available during and after graduation from UC Davis, including internships, graduate school, and various forms of employment. Internships can provide an opportunity for undocumented students to determine whether they are interested in a particular career, gain experience in a field, and create a professional network. Nonpaid internships are a great way to gain meaningful work experience without being considered an employee.
Visit the AB540 and Undocumented Student Center for additional information about services and resources available for undocumented/AB 540 students at UC Davis.
Income Generation Resources
For over ten years, Immigrants Rising has been creating resources and programs to support undocumented students (with or without DACA) in their pursuit of career and income generation opportunities:
- Income Generation Options for Undocumented Students Toolkit
- Guides and handouts that students can read to learn about income generation options and learn how to get started
- Pre-recorded webinars in English and Spanish that students can watch and engage in conversation
- Stories of undocumented entrepreneurs that can be used to inspire undocumented students
- Funding available for undocumented social entrepreneurs through the Entrepreneurship Fund
Additional Immigrants Rising resources:
5 Tips to get Started As an Independent Contractor/Freelancer
Basic Facts About Entrepreneurship
Introduction to Working for Yourself
Sign up for the Immigrants Rising monthly entrepreneurship newsletter.
California Dream Act
The California Dream Act allows undocumented and nonresident documented students who meet certain criteria to receive private scholarships funded through public universities, State administered financial aid, and university grants.
- California Dream Act Information: California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)
- California Dream Act Frequently asked Questions for Students and Parents: Information about the types of financial aid available to Dream Act students
- Work-Study: Institutional Work-Study is available to international and AB540 students who are eligible to work and is based on need as well. For AB540 students who are also undocumented, need is determined by the California Dream Act Application.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
DACA is an administrative policy that allows eligible undocumented immigrants to receive a two-year deferment of their deportation and grants them work authorization.
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): A list of frequently asked questions prepared by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- DACA and Your Workplace Rights FAQ: A list of frequently asked questions about employment rights of DACA-approved individuals, prepared by the National Immigration Law Center.
Campus Resources
- AB540 & Undocumented Student Center: provides information and services to empower and educate undocumented/AB 540 students, their families, and members of the community
- UC Immigrant Legal Services Center: serves the immigration-related legal needs of undocumented and immigrant students in the University of California system
- S.P.E.A.K. @ UC Davis: “Scholars Promoting Education Awareness and Knowledge” (SPEAK) is a registered student organizations on campus to support and empower undocumented students