Career Community

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Note: This program is open to currently enrolled TheDream.US Scholars only.

What is a Career Community?

A Career Community is a virtual space where 25-30 Scholars focus on specific careers and explore, learn, and develop the tools needed to succeed as an undocumented professional. Each Career Community is led by a self-employed peer Coach who has launched a business in one of the 5 specific fields. 

As a Career Community member you will participate in monthly group meetings (from November – April) and complete up to 3 hours of assignments per month. Career Community members will learn ways to be their own boss, connect with those in the field, and receive career advice from someone who’s been in your shoes.

Members are eligible to receive a $500 stipend* when they successfully complete the program! 

There are 5 Career Communities organized by majors**:

1. Science & Technology Career Community (i.e., computer science, biology, engineering, etc.)
2. Health & Medicine Career Community (i.e., nursing, health sciences, kinesiology, etc.)
3. Business Career Community (i.e., Business Administration and Management, Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Communication, etc.)
4. Public & Social Services Career Community (i.e., Psychology, Social Work, Criminal Justice, etc.)
5. Education Career Community 

Scholars must apply and be selected to participate in a Career Community. All monthly group meetings will happen the 2^nd Tuesday of each month from 3pm-5pm PT / 5pm-7pm CT / 6pm-8pm ET (adjust for your own time zone). The dates of the monthly meetings are: November 14, December 12, January 9, February 13, March 12, and April 9. 

*Scholars who are selected to participate in a Career Community will be eligible to receive a $500 stipend at the completion of the program (i.e. attending monthly meetings; completing activities and assignments; completing a Post-Program Survey, etc.). Scholars must have a valid SSN or ITIN by May 1, 2024 to receive the stipend. Scholars who do not have a valid SSN or ITIN by this deadline will not be eligible to receive the stipend. For more information on ITINs, visit www.thedream.us/itin. 

**The list of majors is not comprehensive and only provides an example of some relevant majors. A Scholar’s major does not need to correspond to their selected Career Community of interest. 

Scholar Eligibility Requirements

You must meet all the criteria to apply:

• Be a currently enrolled TheDream.US Scholar
• Must have earned 30+ cumulative credits at time of application, and will not graduate before May 2024
• Be able to commit to being an active participant in the Career Community, including attending at least 5 of the 6 meetings
• Be able to complete up to 3 hours of assignments per month
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Have a valid SSN or ITIN at completion of program (May 2024) to receive $500 stipend***

***NOTE: Scholars do not have to have a valid SSN or ITIN at time of application. However if selected, Scholars must have a valid SSN or ITIN by May 1, 2024 in order to be eligible to receive the $500 stipend at the completion of the program. Scholars who do not have a valid SSN or ITIN by May 1, 2024 will not be eligible to receive the stipend. For more information on ITINs, visit www.thedream.us/itin. 

Application Timeline

• Application Opens: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at 8:00 am PT
• Application Closes: Friday, October 20, 2023 at 11:59 pm PT
• Application Reviewed: October 23 – 27
• Final Decisions: Friday, October 27, 2023

If you are selected, you will receive an email on October 27 with a schedule of your 1^st Community monthly meeting and other important information.

Steps to Apply

To apply to a Career Community, please complete the following:

1. Create or Update Your LinkedIn Profile

Creating a LinkedIn account is free (do not pay for a premium account) – go to www.linkedin.com on a desktop computer and register for an account. Once you’ve created an account, create a LinkedIn Profile. Ensure your LinkedIn Profile has all information listed per TheDream.US LinkedIn Profile Guide.

2. Complete the Online Application

Fill out the Career Communities Online Application by the application deadline. Remember to choose just one Career Community and check the meeting dates and times for the one you want to join to ensure you can attend the virtual meetings.

Questions?

Please email Nicole Wesley, Senior Program Manager of Career Supports, at [email protected]. 

The Career Communities program is a partnership of TheDream.US and Immigrants Rising. Immigrants Rising will manage and facilitate the program.