Breadcrumb
Scholars Without Borders
Scholars Without Borders (SWB) was founded by a partnership between The Finding Resources and Empowerment through Education (F.R.E.E.) student organization and faculty members in April 2017.
This initiative was not created in isolation; rather, it emerged from a longstanding legacy of activism and advocacy led by Undocumented and mixed-status students on campus. For years, these students had been at the forefront of efforts to raise awareness about the systemic barriers they face in accessing higher education, campus resources, and equitable support systems. Their lived experiences and persistent organizing laid the groundwork for SWB, which was envisioned as a formal structure to both recognize and respond to the needs of these often-overlooked communities.
PURPOSE STATEMENT
At Scholars Without Borders (SWB), our goal is to create a space on campus that fosters critical thinking and collective action, with a particular focus on supporting Undocumented, DACAmented, and AB 540 students. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive academic, cultural, social, political, economic, and environmental support to help students thrive in all areas of their lives. In addition, we work to strengthen Humboldt’s internal capacity to more effectively serve students from working-class backgrounds, first-generation college students, and those from communities of color. Through our efforts, we strive to encourage and empower students to succeed academically, advocate for themselves and others, and take pride in their identities, their communities, and the broader social and environmental systems in which they live and learn.
VISION
Our vision is to create a conscious and reflective space on campus where academic sovereignty and student activism are both fostered and supported. We are committed to recognizing that the center is situated on Wiyot land, and we honor this truth as foundational to our work. In doing so, we acknowledge that immigrant issues are a direct result of colonization and its ongoing impacts. Scholars Without Borders (SWB) aims to support Undocumented, DACAmented, and AB540 students through a holistic approach that values both formal and informal forms of education.
SERVICES
Academic & Peer Support
- One-on-one advising, peer mentoring
Financial Aid & Professional Development
- Dream Act application & scholarship support
- Resume and career workshops
- Professional Development series
Educational Fund
- $605 awards for 10 students annually to support their academic journeys and relieve financial stressors associated with their immigration status
Undocu-Talk
- Safe support group with 6 sessions per semester for undocumented and mixed-status students.
Know Your Rights Workshops
- Monthly sessions, in partnership with CHIRLA, on legal protections and advocacy.
- Support with finding & scheduling free Legal Consultations
Community Building & Outreach
- Undocumented Student Action Week
- SWB Anniversary Month
- Dreamers Digest Newsletter
- center in the Balabanis House
Contact and Office Hours
We are located at the Social Justice, Equity & Inclusion Center (Balabanis House) Second floor, 203
Email: scholarswithoutborders@humboldt.edu
Our office phone number is (707) 826-3368
Office Hours
| Name/Position | Email Address | Day/Time |
|---|---|---|
Yaneyry Delfin Coordinator | yd42@humboldt.edu | Monday-Wednesday 12:00-5:00pm |
SWB Fellowship position currently OPEN |
Scholars without Borders Opportunities/Resources
UndocuTALK is a welcoming and confidential support group created specifically for Undocumented and mixed-status students. This is a safe and affirming space where you can connect with others, share your experiences, and build a sense of community; a home away from home.
To protect your privacy, the location, day, and time of the group are only shared with those who register. Additionally, CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) does not keep records of who attends, ensuring that your participation remains completely private.
Each session offers a combination of open discussion, community-building activities, arts and crafts, meditation and breathing exercises (coping strategies), and resource sharing to keep you informed and supported. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
We meet bi-weekly, and sessions are 60 minutes.
To sign up, contact:
Jaime Gutierrez (CAPS therapist): jjg67@humboldt.edu
Scholars Without Borders: scholarswithoutborders@humboldt.edu
We look forward to welcoming you into this safe and empowering space!
SCHOLARS WITHOUT BORDERS EDUCATIONAL AWARD
Our 2025-2026 Educational Award is now open. This funding is designed to ease financial burden and help you achieve your academic goals. Don't miss out on this opportunity to invest in your future!
Eligibility:
Current students (2025-2026) who are enrolled in 6 or more units (must be considered at least part time).
The recipient must be in good standing with the university.
All students are eligible to apply, however preference will be given to students who identify as:
Undocumented/AB540/DACAmented.
Demonstrate Financial Need.
Undergrad & Graduate students are eligible to apply.
APPLY TODAY AND RECEIVE UP TO $605 TO HELP SUPPORT YOUR EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY
Applications are on a rolling basis. For Questions/Concerns: scholarswithoutborders@humboldt.edu
BECA EDUCACIONAL DE ACADEMICOS SIN FRONTERAS
El premio educativo 2025-2026 ya está abierto. Esta financiación está diseñada para aliviar la carga financiera y ayudarle a alcanzar sus objetivos académicos. ¡No pierdas esta oportunidad de invertir en tu futuro!
Elegibilidad:
Ser estudiantes (2025-2026) que estén matriculados en 6 o más unidades (deben considerarse al menos tiempo parcial).
El estudiante debe estar al día con la universidad (buena reputación).
Todos los estudiantes son elegibles para aplicar, sin embargo, se dará preferencia a los estudiantes que se identifiquen como
Indocumentados/AB540/DACAmented.
Demostrar necesidad financiera.
Los estudiantes de pregrado y posgrado son elegibles para aplicar.
SOLICITE HOY Y RECIBE HASTA $605 PARA AYUDARLE A RESPALDAR SU VIAJE EDUCATIVO
Aplicaciones son continuas. Para preguntas/comentarios. scholarswithoutborders@humboldt.edu
Dates of Fellowship Placement
August 25 2025 - May 10, 2026 (possibility to renew fellowship for AY 26-27)
Fellow Placement Overview
The Scholars without Borders Fellow will gain hands-on Student Affairs experience by supporting SWB and university-wide projects. All fellows will receive a structured project-based experience with opportunities to learn about higher education student support, workshop and event management, and immigration policies.
This fellowship will focus on Workshop/Event implementation and community outreach to support Undocumented, Mixed status, and International students and their families as well as advancing related initiative needs that support the recruitment and retention of these student populations. Partners on the initiative include the Social Justice, Equity, & Inclusion Center (SJEIC) and Associated Students which host Scholars without Borders.
Fellowship Deliverables (may change as determined by initiative team member)
- The SWB fellow is responsible for the day-to-day activities at the center, creating and maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment, and maintaining good communications with SJEIC staff/coordinator.
- Serve as student representatives on various campus committees, promote the center’s events and resources, table at campus/community event
- Create, oversee, and collaborate with campus departments to implement and put on events and resources that will support the Undocumented/mixed status/international student population.
- Present SWB resources and who we are, what we do, etc to classrooms, Social Justice Summit, campus events, and if funds allow: conferences, attend and lead legislative meetings/advocacy trips with SWB team.
For Questions Contact: scholarswithoutborders@humboldt.edu
Additional Campus Opportunities/Resources
APPLICATIONS FOR AB540 STUDENTS OPEN UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30
We want to introduce you to #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, a state-funded service fellowship program that is redefining what it means to be a student leader in California. College Corps provides undergraduate students, including Undocumented students who qualify for AB 540 tuition exemption, paid opportunities to serve their communities while working toward their degrees.
Created by the Office of the Governor in partnership with California Volunteers, this program connects college students to critical community needs, including K–12 education, climate action, and food insecurity. In return for completing 450 hours of service during the academic year, College Corps Fellows receive:
- $10,000 toward their education
- Professional experience and leadership development
- A chance to be part of a statewide network of purpose-driven peers
Whether you're looking to serve your community, gain professional skills, or an opportunity to fund your education, this program is built to support your future.
Contact Information: College Corp Program Manager
Shalom M Fletcher
