I seek funding to support two spots in the Integrative Health Equity & Applied Research (IHEAR) program to extend eligibility to DACA recipients and undocumented learners. This pilot initiative aims to explore the feasibility of identifying and recruiting learners to fill these spots, including identifying the number of eligible DACA predoctoral candidates and developing effective outreach strategies.

 Our IHEAR program currently relies solely on Kirschstein-NRSA funding, which limits our applicant pool to citizens and permanent residents. This pilot will raise awareness of these limitations and demonstrate our commitment to inclusive education. Successful implementation will provide critical insights and pave the way for more inclusive funding strategies for this and other training programs in the future.

 In this initiative, I aim to protect the confidentiality and safety of all applicants, recognizing the distinct challenges and potential dangers that undocumented learners might encounter when revealing their status to seek funding for this program. Considering this, I propose the following detailed strategies and considerations: 

Collaborations with Trusted Organizations:

• In addition to the UCSF Office of Diversity and Outreach’s Undocumented Student Support Services team, I have contacted United We Dream, Immigrants Rising, and local advocacy groups in the Bay Area. These partnerships will facilitate safe and effective outreach.

Development of Materials with a Focus on Confidentiality:

• Create anonymous interest forms that do not require individuals to disclose their status immediately, helping to build trust and reduce fear of exposure.

Implementation of a Secure Application Process and Strict Confidentiality Policies:

• Utilize a secure and encrypted application portal. Application data will be accessible only to a small, dedicated team of three people trained in handling sensitive information.
• Develop and publicly share strict confidentiality policies that outline how applicants’ information will be protected and used.

Consultation with Legal Experts:

• Consult with legal experts at UCSF and community groups that work with DACA recipients and undocumented learners.
• Compile a list of legal resources available to students to share with applicants and learners accepted into the program.

Conducting a Thorough Risk Assessment and Fostering a Supportive Environment:

• Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential negative impacts on applicants and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Foster a supportive environment within the IHEAR program by providing training for faculty and staff on the unique challenges faced by DACA and undocumented learners.

Addressing these key areas will help create a robust and secure framework for identifying and recruiting DACA recipients and undocumented learners for the IHEAR program. This initiative enhances diversity within our program and demonstrates our commitment to inclusive education and the well-being of all students.

Project Timeline:

November – December 2024:

• Contact the Undocumented Student Support Center and other stakeholders to discuss the project plan and gather initial feedback.
• Conduct a risk assessment and develop mitigation strategies.
• Establish partnerships with trusted organizations and develop culturally sensitive outreach materials.

January 2025:

• Launch anonymous interest forms and begin preliminary outreach efforts.
• Implement the secure application process and finalize confidentiality policies.

February 2025:

• Begin the application process for the IHEAR program with the extended eligibility criteria.

March 2025:

• Review applications and select two DACA recipients or undocumented learners for the program.

April – May 2025:

• Provide onboarding and support for the selected students.
• Provide training resources for faculty instructors and mentors on the unique challenges faced by DACA and undocumented learners.

June – August 2025:

• Program in session.

September 2025 onwards:

• Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the pilot initiative.