SPARK: First-Year Peer Mentoring Program for Undocumented Students

The UndocuSpartan Peer Mentoring Program: is a peer mentorship program designed to support and empower first-year students (FTF and Transfers) are interested in joining a community that centers the experiences of undocumented and mixed-status students at SJSU.

Through one-on-one mentorship, community-building activities, and educational workshops, Summer Academy provides a space to build meaningful connections and develop tools to thrive academically, personally, and professionally—regardless of immigration status.

The program is open to all students committed to engaging with and learning from the experiences of undocumented and mixed-status communities. Participants must commit to the full academic-year program and attend the required Summer Academy prior to the fall semester.

Components of the program:

As part of the program, first-year students will:

  • Participate in the VIRTUAL Summer Academy (Monday, July 21st - Tuesday, July 29th [M, T, W, Th])
  • Attend 1:1 meetings with a peer mentor throughout the academic year.
  • Attend at least two UndocuSpartan sponsored events per semester.
  • Engage in community-building socials hosted by peer mentors
  • Develop a personalized success plan that supports transition to campus and college life. 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a newly accepted undergraduate (First time freshman or transfer).
  • Must be enrolled for Fall 2025, at least part-time.
  • Must be undocumented (this includes those with and without DACA, TPS, pending asylum, etc).
  • Must be able to attend the Summer Academy, virtually. 
  • Commit to completing the components of the program.

Summer Academy 

Save the Date for Summer 2025:

Save the Date: Monday, July 21st - Tuesday, July 29th (M, T, W, Th) 
Time: 11AM-1:15PM each day.

The Summer Academy is a pre-matriculation program for students who have been admitted to the peer mentoring program. Prior to starting the academic year, students will have an opportunity to connect with their peers, SJSU staff, and participate in a number of activities that center the undocumented student experience in higher education. By participating in this program, students will gain information and and get connected to resources related to: 

  • State and Federal Policies that Impact UndocuScholars
  • Qualifying for AB 540/ SB 68 - CA NonResident Tuition Exemption
  • Paying for College and the CA Dream Act
  • Scholarships for UndocuScholars
  • Beyond DACA: Generating Income and Career Readiness
  • Navigating Academic Advising
  • Building Experience and Professional Development

To prioritize student safety in light of ongoing federal developments, the 2025 SPARK Summer Academy will be held virtually.

This virtual experience is designed to help students connect with their peer mentors, gain important resources, and begin building community before the start of the academic year.

Apply Now for the 2025-26 SPARK Program

For more information about the Undoc,uSpartan Peer Mentoring Program Summer Academy, go to our  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Questions? contact us! In-person and virtual appointments are available all summer.