{"id":10306,"date":"2025-07-07T21:22:33","date_gmt":"2025-07-07T21:22:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/?p=10306"},"modified":"2025-07-07T21:22:33","modified_gmt":"2025-07-07T21:22:33","slug":"creating-experiential-learning-for-noncitizen-students","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/?p=10306","title":{"rendered":"Creating Experiential Learning for Noncitizen Students"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Participation in campus activities is considered a high-impact practice, which boosts a student\u2019s retention, feelings of belonging and long-term career success. But various institutional and legal obstacles can create equity gaps in experiential learning for noncitizen students. <\/p>\n

International and undocumented students face restrictions on work opportunities while enrolled because of their legal standing in the U.S. Students covered by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or Temporary Protected Status have greater opportunities to engage, but securing work can still be a challenge. <\/p>\n

In addition, financial obligations can limit students\u2019 ability to participate in campus activities, particularly for low-income students who need to work for pay. <\/p>\n

According to a 2024 survey by Inside Higher Ed<\/em>, 20\u00a0percent of respondents said they would be more inclined to get involved in campus activities if the institution offered more opportunities for paid work on campus, or if they didn\u2019t have to work off campus. <\/p>\n

Even for students who don\u2019t pay tuition, financial aid restrictions can limit how a college or university compensates them. If students receive more aid than the cost of attendance, they may have to refund the institution or pay taxes on the funds. That\u2019s why campuses and partners have to think creatively about how to ensure students are compensated for their efforts without disqualifying them from financial aid or saddling them with additional expenses. <\/p>\n

Some college and private partners have established measures that compensate students for their learning and service, allowing them to take advantage of meaningful experiences. <\/p>\n

Put into practice: <\/strong>Colleges can offer undocumented students non-employment-based educational opportunities (NEBOs) to develop personal, academic and professional skills\u2014 including research, career preparation or campus engagement\u2014that also provide students with financial aid. <\/p>\n

For instance, fellowships are project-based experiences with deliverable outcomes that are not jobs and do not require work authorization. <\/p>\n

In fall 2023, Arrupe College of Loyola University, Chicago launched Arrupe LEAD, which offers enrolled students\u2014about one of six of whom are undocumented\u2014the opportunity to engage in job shadows and career-development workshops. Participants receive a scholarship award for completing the program. <\/p>\n

The University of California, Irvine, offers a fellowship project out of the DREAM Center, a center focused on assisting those who have been impacted by immigration systems or status. The DREAM Fellowship gives students the chance to work on a yearlong project supported by faculty and staff to develop their interests and professional skills. <\/p>\n

DIY: <\/strong>Immigrants Rising, a national nonprofit organization, created a step-by-step guide for educational institutions interested in creating educational experiences for noncitizen learners to ensure they\u2019re able to participate and receive financial incentives. <\/p>\n

The guide suggests that institutions: <\/p>\n