University of California President Janet Napolitano today (May 11) announced a three-year commitment to support the university’s efforts for undocumented UC students.

“We are committed to continuing a path forward for undocumented students at the University of California,” Napolitano said. “This funding will further strengthen the university’s undocumented student initiative, and help ensure that these students receive the support and resources they need to succeed.”

The university will earmark $8.4 million a year through the 2018-19 academic year for undocumented student support across its 10 campuses. The funding will be divided among three priorities:

UC’s DREAM Loan Program will receive $5 million per year for at least three years. The program makes student loans available to undocumented students, who are not eligible for federal aid. Students will repay their loans back into the DREAM Loan fund.

Student services staff coordinators and targeted undergraduate and graduate fellowships, as well as other financial support such as funds for textbooks, will be allocated $2.5 million per year.

UC’s Undocumented Legal Services Center will receive $900,000 per year.

President Napolitano first launched the Undocumented Students Initiative just weeks after joining the university in fall 2013. The initiative allotted $5 million for undocumented student support.

“From the earliest days of her presidency, Janet Napolitano has acted to ensure that our undocumented students are on equal footing with others seeking to fulfill their aspirations at UC campuses,” said UC Board of Regents Chairman Monica Lozano. “These efforts have made the University of California a leader among universities across the nation in ensuring academic opportunity for undocumented college students.”

Related Links:

California Dream Loan Program: http://ucal.us/dreamloan

UC Legal Services Center: https://law.ucdavis.edu/uc-undocumented/