“Support immigrant college students”

Thanks to Alice for passing on from the Esperanza education fund:

“As the COVID-19 crisis unfolds, immigrant students need your support now more than ever.

Esperanza is dedicated to ensuring immigrant students in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia have the funds and support necessary to access higher education, regardless of their background. Our scholars have traveled great distances, both literally and metaphorically. In addition to hailing from a range of countries — Albania to Cameroon to Syria —  our scholars also often come from low-income households and mixed-status families, or face other challenges unique to the immigrant experience.

Because of this, we know that our scholars and their families will be hit hard by this crisis. On top of the challenges our scholars already face, millions of college students are being left out of COVID-19 stimulus payments — denied the $1,200 stimulus package if they are claimed as dependents by their parents, but ineligible for the $500 child check because they are over 17.

There are many ways you can give, and every one of them makes a difference:

•  If you are able, consider donating your stimulus check (or the same amount of $1200 if you are above the threshold) to Esperanza

• Become a sustaining donor to Esperanza. $10 or more each month makes an enormous difference

• Donate $500, the amount of the dependent checks being denied parents of children over 17

• Any amount that is meaningful to you is meaningful to us. The $20 you didn’t spend on transportation this week, $5 saved because you made coffee at home all make a difference.

ABOUT US

The Esperanza Education Fund is a volunteer-run organization that has awarded over $1 million in scholarships and helped 100+ incredible students from D.C., Maryland, and Virginia move toward achieving their dreams through higher education since 2009. We know money isn’t enough for students to be successful, so scholars are paired with volunteer mentors who help them navigate college and troubleshoot issues as they arise. Learn more about our values and our scholars.”