Dream Summer Fellowship 2027

UCLA Labor Center, Dream Resource Center

Opens soon

Amount

$7,000 fellowship award for the eight-week summer, plus training retreats

Location

National placements near where you live (New York possible). Retreats in Los Angeles or remote

Cost

Free

Class level

Any level

A national eight-week summer fellowship (June to August) that places immigrant youth, including undocumented students without DACA, at social-justice organizations near where they live, with leadership training, a retreat in Los Angeles (in person or remote) and an alumni network of more than 1,000.

Why it matters

One of the only paid national fellowships explicitly designed for undocumented students who do not qualify for DACA, and about half of the fellows are placed outside California, including New York.

Who can apply

U.S. citizensGreen-card holdersDACA / TPSUndocumented studentsInternational students (F-1 and other visas)Refugees and asylees

The official page says the fellowship is open to all immigrant youth, regardless of immigration status: undocumented youth, youth with DACA or TPS, and others are all welcome to apply. You do not need to be a UCLA student. F-1 students should confirm their fit with the Dream Resource Center.

Eligibility

Age 18 to 28 (18 by the program start) with demonstrated interest or experience in the immigrant rights movement and full-time summer availability (32 hours a week). You must have an active ITIN or SSN by the time an offer is issued, and must not have been a University of California employee in the past two years. Three essays, a recommendation letter and a resume. Placements are matched to your location and interests.

What you need

• Age 18 to 28
• Active ITIN or SSN by the offer letter
• Full-time summer availability (32 hours a week)
• Three essays, one recommendation letter, resume
• Interest in immigrant rights work

How to apply

When the 2027 application opens (December 2026 or January 2027), apply through the form linked on the Dream Summer page with three essays, one recommendation letter and a resume. Read the Dream Summer guide and FAQ first.

Applications open in December or January each year and are reviewed February to April (the 2026 deadline was February 16). Rolling notifications April to May.