Young people in and from foster care who are New Americans matter. The OHIO YAB and ACTION Ohio are currently exploring resources to help support young people in and from foster care in attaining citizenship.

Educational Services of Central Ohio has mapped out a list of Resources to Support Undocumented Students.

Moritz College of Law operates an Immigration Clinic for those in need of support.

Below are some additional resources that might be helpful:

Columbus Refugee & Immigration Services (CRIS)
4645 Executive Drive, Columbus, OH 43220
(614) 235-5747

CRIS exists to help refugees and immigrants reach safety and stability, sustain self-sufficiency, and achieve successful integration into the Central Ohio community. CRIS staff speak more than two dozen languages. Among other services, CRIS can help with:

• Citizenship, including fees, practice interviews and free citizenship classes
• Legal assistance with immigration issues
• Safety planning and trauma informed services

TheDream.US
TheDream.US is the nation’s largest college and career success program for undocumented immigrant youth. This resource has been referred to as the “Pell Grant” for undocumented students. GPA is considered, but greater emphasis is placed on the student’s dedication to community service and academic and career success. Applications are open to undocumented immigrant students with or without DACA or TPS who came to the U.S. before the age of 16 and before Nov. 1, 2018.

The National Scholarship Award will cover tuition and fees at one of their Partner Colleges up to a maximum of $33,000 for a bachelor’s degree. Some Scholars may receive an additional stipend for books, supplies, and transportation for up to $6,000. The award follows students through the completion of a bachelor’s degree and is renewable each year. Recipients must meet the continuing eligibility criteria and renew the award each summer.

Esperanza
Esperanza grants scholarships to a number of students entering or continuing their college education in Greater Cleveland. Students must be born in a Hispanic country or have at least one parent who is fully Hispanic. Student must be an American citizen, Permanent Resident, or DACA eligible.

Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services (ETSS)
1060 Mt. Vernon Ave., Columbus, OH 43203
(614) 252-5362

ETSS helps new arrivals from over 50 countries establish roots and gain self-sufficiency in Central Ohio. Members of staff speak over 30 languages to provide individuals and families the services they need. Their services include resettlement support for newly arriving refugee families, help enrolling family members in school and assistance in applying for Social Security and public benefits.

The Ohio State University
Although undocumented students cannot legally receive any federally funded student financial aid, including federal loans, grants and scholarships, OSU offers private scholarships for undocumented students and needs-based-aid for DACA students which do not require students to be U.S. citizens or residents. For more information, please contact Ms. Indra Leyva Cook, Liaison for DACA Students, at leyvacook.1@osu.edu.

Refugee Services Program
Contact: Jennifer Johnson, Program Administrator, (614) 644-1174, Jennifer.Johnson@jfs.ohio.gov

Refugees may be eligible for medical assistance and social services programs such as job and language training, employment counseling, job placement, child care and transportation related to employment, citizenship training, and naturalization services.