University of California President Janet Napolitano announced today a three-year commitment to support undocumented students at the university system's 10 campuses.
"We are committed to continuing a path forward for undocumented students at the University of California," Napolitano said in a statement.
She continued: "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 commitment calls for UC to earmark $8.4 million per year through the 2018-19 academic year for undocumented student support at its campuses for three priorities.
UC's Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Loan Program will receive $5 million a year for at least three years to make student loans available to undocumented students, who are not eligible for federal aid.
About $2.5 million per year will go to student services staff coordinators and targeted undergraduate and graduate fellowships, as well as other financial support such as funds for textbooks.
UC's Undocumented Legal Services Center will receive $900,000 annually. Napolitano launched her "Undocumented Students Initiative" only a few weeks after joining the university in the fall of 2013. The initiative allotted $5 million for undocumented student support.
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"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," UC Board of Regents chair Monica Lozano said.
"These efforts have made the University of California a leader among universities across the nation in ensuring academic opportunity for undocumented college students," Lozano added.
