The University of St. Thomas-Houston is the first private university in Texas to team up with TheDream.US, the nation's largest college access and success program for immigrant youth, to provide scholarships for Texas students to achieve their higher education goals.

TheDream.US opens a new round of scholarship applications for the 2023-2024 academic year on Nov. 1. The deadline is Feb. 28, 2023. The scholarships are open to undocumented immigrant students with or without DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) or TPS (Temporary Protected Status) who came to the United States before the age of 16 and before Nov. 1, 2017.

"UST is excited to participate in this program to support these deserving students, many of whom have never known a country other than the U.S.," Chief Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement Officer Arthur Ortiz said.

TheDream.US National Scholarship is for Texas immigrant youth who are first-time college students wanting to attend UST to earn a bachelor's degree. With the help of the scholarship and an additional UST merit scholarship, the cost of the degree is covered. TheDream.US and UST expect to award scholarships to eligible Texas students for the 2023-2024 academic years.

"These students are high academic performers, who do not qualify for federal aid, receiving scholarships based on their academic achievements from TheDream.US," Ortiz said. "In addition, UST will also award academic scholarship money based on their academic performance. This program fits UST's mission. The Basilian Fathers, who founded UST, intended to support our community and honor the dignity of each person."

TheDream.US has more than 80 partner colleges in 21 states committed to serving Dreamers and prepared to offer students support services to help them navigate college life, both on and off campus.

"TheDream.US only picks schools where they know students will succeed," Ortiz said. "UST is a Hispanic-serving institution designated by the Department of Education. UST's success in working with first-generation students and students from diverse demographic populations, along with UST's student retention and graduation rates for these student populations, is what attracted TheDream.US to include UST as a partner." Ortiz said.

“We are excited to partner with UST in supporting Texas Dreamers in their college and career aspirations,” Candy Marshall, president of TheDream.US., said. “Despite the many obstacles these students face, these immigrant students continue to persevere and work hard to achieve their education and career goals. 92% of our 3,000+ graduates are now working or have started their own businesses. Their successes are proof that expanding Dreamers’ access to higher education and career opportunities is good for our country’s economic growth. We are grateful to UST and our 80+ other Partner Colleges across the United States for giving our immigrant youth the opportunity to pursue a college education and contribute to the future of America.”