A professional development opportunity for Undocumented Students at LMU. The BoundlessLMU Fellowship Program aims to provide funding in the form of educational stipends to currently enrolled LMU undocumented students. The Boundless Fellowship Program will provide undocumented students with professional development and educational opportunities that will be of benefit to their career and professional growth. These opportunities and activities include but are not limited to the following:
- Trainings related to admission requirements, financial aid and scholarships, choosing a major, campus engagement, immigration policies, etc.
- Execute projects including assistance with event planning, resource guides/manuals, and social media campaigns.
- Research opportunities related to immigration policies, academic fields of study and career pathways.
History
BoundlessLMU was a program co-founded by students and Claudia Sandoval, Ph.D. at LMU. The goal of BoundlessLMU is to provide fellowships, programming, and career development opportunities to undocumented, DACAmented, Asylum Seekers, and TPS students. Learn more about the history of BoundlessLMU and its founders here.
Fellowship Goals
In collaboration with Career and Professional Development (CPD) and Ignacio Student Support Services (ISSS), the Undocumented Student Support Services (USSS) has adopted BoundlessLMU to continue the students’ advocacy and legacy by offering paid professional development opportunities for undocumented students who are not eligible for DACA and work permit related opportunities. Through BoundlessLMU, students who identify as AB540, undocumented, DACAmented, Asylum Seekers, TPS, among others will have the opportunity to engage in an on-campus or off-campus project-based experience to gain professional and leadership skills.
Applications will be accepted from Sept. 22-29, at 11:59 p.m.
In order to qualify for BoundlessLMU, interested students will need to follow the process below:
- Submit an application here.
- Submit a resume and a one-page cover letter.
- Have a 2.5 minimum grade point average (GPA).
- Be a full-time undergraduate or graduate student.
- Exhibit a demonstrated commitment to and understanding of the Undocumented Community and their unique needs.
To secure a fellowship, selected applicants will:
- Go through a mock interview and selection process.
- Sign contract outlining BoundlessLMU responsibilities assigned to them including description of project, service hours associated with the project and amount of stipend they will receive at the completion of the project.
- Attend mandatory meetings (based on project).
- Receive a performance evaluation at the end of the project with feedback from mentor.
- Based on fellow’s academic interest and professional goals, the USSS will identify department for placement. If student identifies outside organization, they will need to connect with the USSS Director.
- Receive a stipend of $4,000 for 230 hours of service dedicated to the project and activities outlined above.
Once selected, fellows will:
- Complete BoundlessLMU orientation.
- Attend all meetings and trainings.
- Complete 115 hours a semester.
- Be assigned a mentor (based on placement location) and meet with project mentor.
- Maintain good academic standing throughout the project.
- Gain professional development throughout placement with on campus departments, academic colleges or community partners.
- Participate in Career Exploration sessions offered by USSS, ISSS, and CPD to gain the following skills:
- Resume/Cover letter writing
- Starting a business plan
- Disclosing your status to employers
- Identifying Undocu-Friendly Companies
- Engage and participate in monthly BoundlessLMU Fellow check-in meetings led by the USSS staff. Or arrange a time to check-in with Boundless 2.0 Fellows.
- If selected to serve in the USSS, fellow will collaborate with the Director to identify best practices to enhance services to undocumented students.
- Create and present a report on their assigned project and fellowship experience.