College access is an essential part of the work that SIM does.  The work we do is not to put students in college, but to provide the tools for students to get there and for them to build their leadership as youth. Over the years, we have been able to help many students access higher education at institutions like Cornell University, Umass, Bunker Hill Community Community College, Northshore Community College, Gordon College and Salem State College among others.  Although we have been successful many times, we still face many obstacles.

 The schools in our communities are not informed about the Immigration Laws and Policies regarding students, meaning the information they are giving out is not completely accurate. Undocumented students and Lawfully Present Students are being charged out of state tuition, which is extremely expensive and does not allow them to sustain their families and to build a foundation for their future through education. Colleges and Universities are not well informed either, leading them to not accept immigrant students into their institutions and also not allowing them to provide the right assistance to the students.

There are many other barriers, that is why we need to get organized and develop a broad understanding of the different aspects of our situation, whether it is mentally, financially or legally (Immigration Status). We also need to comprehend they way that how the public higher education system works in Massachusetts, why certain policies and laws are in place, and how to work together to change them.

Part of being members of SIM allows us to share information about which schools are accepting immigrant students and what have been the procedures that have been followed with those students.

For more information please contact your SIM organizer or leader.