Options for undocumented high school students (2024)

Options After Graduating from High School

Often when high school students are in their third, or junior, year of high school, they are advised to start thinking about their future after graduation. There are a number of possible paths for high school graduates, including undocumented grads. We know it can be stressful to think about what you want to do with your future, but you are not alone! Nearly 100,000 undocumented immigrants graduate from U.S. high schools every year, and they are all faced with the same questions about their futures. Below are a few possible paths for high school graduates and some resources to help you achieve them.

1. Enter the workforce

2. Enroll in technical or vocational school (also called trade schools)

3. Attend a two- or four-year undergraduate program at a college or university

As you decide what is next for you after graduating from high school, we encourage you to seek out allies who will support you. Allies may be guidance counselors, teachers, community leaders, local non-profit organizations, or even friends. There are folks out there who are ready and excited to support you and who know you have a bright future. To read more about vocational schools, community colleges, and four-year universities, go to Resources for High School Students Preparing for College or Trade School.

What if I Didn’t Graduate from High School?

Any adult who has not received a high school diploma in the United States can earn their high school equivalency diploma by sitting for a high school equivalency exam such as the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET), Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC), or General Equivalency Diploma (GED). U.S. citizenship is not required to take these tests.

Alternative Education Options

There are opportunities beyond college or trade school that can further your education and provide skills and experience to help you launch your career, enter the workforce, or pursue higher education at a later date.

Tech and Coding Bootcamps

Freedom University in Atlanta, Georgia

Dream Summer Fellowship

Support for Online Learning and Getting Your Education During COVID-19

The realities of the COVID-19 pandemic have changed the landscape of education, at least temporarily. While some students are still attending school in person or living on campus, a huge percentage are learning from home. We know that many students may not have the ideal study atmosphere at home or are wrestling with other responsibilities including working or taking care of family. How have you coped with continuing your education during COVID-19?

Resources

Online Learning

Resources for Immigrants During the Coronavirus Crisis by Informed Immigrant
Adjusting to Online College: 10 Tips for First-Timers by The Best Schools
5 Things You Need to Get Ready for Virtual School by Florida Virtual School
8 Tips for Middle and High Schoolers to Get Started in Online School by Connections Academy

Applying to College During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Mental Health: Dealing with Stress and Other Mental Health Challenges as a Student

As an undocumented person, it can be challenging to find mental health resources and professionals that can relate to you and your experience. If the mental health provider(s) at your high school, college, or university are not knowledgeable about the unique circ*mstances and challenges that undocumented students face, Informed Immigrant has created a guide–written by current and formerly undocumented mental health professionals–that you, a friend, or a trusted adult could share with to help educate them. Access it here.

Resources:

Working and Earning an Income While Undocumented

Whether or not you are undocumented, there are ways for you to make a living and earn an income including becoming an entrepreneur or setting up an LLC and working as a consultant*. Regardless of your reason for working–to support your family, to put yourself through college, or to take the first steps towards your career after graduating– we collected resources to help students and graduates set themselves up for success.

NOTE: If you are not eligible for a social security number (i.e., you are undocumented), you will need an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) to pay federally required taxes on your earned income. In some circ*mstances, ITINs can also be used for things like opening bank accounts or taking out loans

Resources:

Immigrants Rising’s Spark – Learn how to leverage your skills, knowledge, and experience to make money through freelancing or starting your own business.**We strongly advise anyone considering an LLC to seek guidance from an attorney regarding any potential immigration consequences

Income Generation Beyond DACA

Our friends at Immigrants Rising have been working on a learning hub for alternative income generating pathways, regardless of your immigration status. The Spark learning hub will help you explore different opportunities such as becoming an independent contractor or starting your own business.

Spark by Immigrant's Rising

Taxes and Your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

Entrepreneurship, Independent Contracting, and Freelancing

Worker Cooperatives

Credit, Financial Capital, and Banking

Non-Employment Based Student Funding and Fellowships