
The First Generation Plus Success Center staff seeks to provide access to resources – including legal assistance and scholarships – to undocumented students to ensure all needs are met regardless of income, cultural background, or residency.
Contact Information
If you are a DACA student, an undocumented student, or a student with temporary protected status, and you’re looking for support, please contact Vanessa Gomez Brake, Associate Dean in the Office of Religious & Spiritual Life, and the current point of contact for coordinating efforts and opportunities across campus that support immigrant and international students.
Your conversations with her will be confidential. She can connect you with resources regarding financial aid, academic and housing issues, confidential advising, and legal support.
Vanessa Gomez Brake: vanessagb@usc.edu
IDEAS at USC
IDEAS at USC (Improving Dreams, Equality, Access, and Success) was founded in Spring 2011 in order to create a safe space and positive dialogue among undocumented students (DREAMers) and allies. This student organization is focused on student needs, concerns, and challenges of the undocumented student communities.
- Email: ideasusc@usc.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/IDEASUSC
- Instagram: @ideasusc
Legal Resources
There are several places at USC that provides resources and support to our Undocumented Student population. Click below to learn more about these opportunities and resources offered:
- Undocumented Trojans Online Resource Center: A comprehensive information hub for all undocumented students.
- USC Gould School of Law: Immigrant Legal Assistance Center: Free, confidential consultations, legal assistance, and referrals to all students and staff. A service it provides is supporting DACA applications. Appointments necessary.
- GSG & USG Free Legal Counseling: Mondays from 3 – 9 p.m. PST. Registration necessary.
- Graduate Student Emergency Fund: This program is designed to help graduate students with unforeseen expenses arising from a crisis and quickly address financial setbacks.
- Immigrant and Global Migration Initiative: Mission is to promote the study of issues related to immigration, migration, and immigrant populations.
- Know Your Rights
Off-Campus Resources
- Dream Act Application
- CA Non-Resident Tuition Exemption
- Financial Aid for Undocumented and DREAMers Students
- Understanding DACA
- American Dream and Promise Act
- American Immigration Council
- National Immigration Law Center