SPARK: First-Year Peer Mentoring Program for Undocumented Students

SPARK (Spartans Promoting Advocacy, Resources, and Knowledge) 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 ±«ÓãÖ±²¥.

Through one-on-one mentorship, community-building activities, and educational workshops, SPARK 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 SPARK Summer Academy prior to the fall semester.

Components of the program:

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

  • Participate in the Summer Academy 
  • 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 (Monday, July 21st - Friday, July 25th).
  • Commit to completing the components of the program.

Summer Academy 

Save the Date for Summer 2025: July 21st - 25th

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, ±«ÓãÖ±²¥ 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

Participants have the opportunity to stay in the dorms for the entire duration of the summer program. This program is completely FREE.

Spark Info Sessions

The USRC will provide space for those interested in the Spark Program. These sessions will include further information about the Spark program, Summer Academy, including additional time for questions about the program. 

May 16th

For more information about the SPARK Summer Academy, go to our 

Questions? contact us!

Becoming a SPARK Mentor 

The SPARK Peer Mentor will work closely with the Program Director & Coordinator of the UndocuSpartan Resource Center, and will provide peer mentoring support to first-year undocumented students who are part of the SPARK program at ±«ÓãÖ±²¥. This opportunity is only for ±«ÓãÖ±²¥ undergraduate students who are currently enrolled and will continue their enrollment for the 2025–26 academic year.

As a Peer Mentor, you will:

  • Have an assigned caseload of five, no more than eight students.
  • Meet with mentees on a scheduled basis throughout the academic year.
  • Facilitate and develop community engagement activities for SPARK students.
  • Assist  mentees with developing a personalized success plan.
  • Follow up and monitor student success plan in a timely and professional manner.
  • Escalate student cases when needed to direct supervisor.

For a full description of the role, please refer to the application.


To Apply: Please complete the online application and upload your resume by the deadline. For questions contact UndocuSpartan Student Resource Center at undocuspartan@sjsu.edu.