Indira Islas moved to the United States from Guerrero, Mexico, at the age of six. She says her parents always emphasized the importance of academic excellence. She followed their lead and excelled in her classes. However, at the time, she didn’t know if she’d be able to attend college, nor did she know about the barriers and challenges she’d face in pursuing her education.
At the age of 16, she became a recipient of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. After graduating from high school, she was awarded a scholarship from TheDream.US and went on to successfully earn a bachelor’s degree in biology and a Master of Public Health in Health Policy. Fast forward to now, and Islas is a public health professional.
Islas’ story mirrors the stories of many students who are awarded scholarships through TheDream.US. For 12 years, the organization has awarded more than 12,000 college scholarships and other wraparound services to immigrant students regardless of their immigration status. Applications are now open through Feb. 28th for TheDream.US’s National Scholarship.
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