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Student Success Funds Request

 

Student Success Funds

The Monarch Center provides limited, short-term financial support to undocumented and mixed-status UC Merced students experiencing urgent or extenuating financial hardship. These funds are designed to alleviate barriers that may disrupt academic progress and overall well-being.

Available Funds

  • General Student Success Funds — supports students with unexpected or essential expenses, including:
    • Emergency or past-due rent
    • Groceries and food security needs
    • Medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance
    • Books, supplies, or course materials
    • Professional development (exam fees, certifications, conferences, etc.)
  • Legal Student Success Funds — offers $300–$495 to cover costs related to:
    • DACA renewal filing fees
    • Advance Parole applications
    • Other urgent immigration or legal-related expenses

Eligibility

  • Must identify as an undocumented student or come from a mixed-status family.
  • Must be a currently enrolled UC Merced undergraduate or graduate student taking at least 12 units (applies during summer if enrolled).
  • Must be considered low-income under UC Merced Financial Aid guidelines.
  • Must have submitted a valid California Dream Act Application (CADAA) for the current academic year.
  • Must not be eligible for federal aid programs (Pell Grant, Direct Loans, etc.).

Financial Aid award packages will be reviewed to verify need before approval.

Application Requirements

  • Complete all sections of the Student Success Funds application form.
  • Upload documentation showing proof of need (e.g., lease, bill, medical invoice, expiring work permit, or conference registration).
  • Meet with Victoria Ordaz Garcia, Undocumented Student Coordinator, for final review and approval.
  • Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis while resources remain available.

Availability & Disbursement

Approved Student Success Funds are typically processed within 3–4 weeks. Students are encouraged to set up Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) with Student Business Services (SBS) for faster payment.

Disbursements are made via EFT on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In some cases, emergency funds may first apply to any existing campus balance (housing, library fines, etc.) before the remaining amount is released to your account.

For exceptions or urgent cases, please speak with Victoria Ordaz Garcia directly at vordazgarcia@ucmerced.edu.

Additional Resources

Basic Needs Center
Location: Terrace Center (TC) 106

Undocumented students experiencing food insecurity should first connect with the Basic Needs Center for support through the Bobcat Pantry or the monthly USDA Food Distribution program (third Friday of each month).

*Closed during campus holidays, spring break, and winter curtailment. Email basicneeds@ucmerced.edu for assistance during closures.*

Financial Wellness Center

Some applicants may be referred to the Financial Wellness Center for a short consultation as part of the application process. This helps students develop long-term budgeting and financial stability skills while managing emergency resources.

Learn how to strengthen your financial literacy and money management strategies by visiting the Financial Wellness Center website.

What is the best phone number to communicate with you?
(semester/year)
Please remember to submit your supporting documents below in the form to be processed for approval.
Please limit response to 400 words or less
I hereby certify that this information is true and understand that any false statements on my part may result in the forfeiture of any benefits associated with the Student Success grant program. Students approved of the grant will be notified via email of their emergency funds. In addition, I am receptive to meeting with a financial wellness coach should I be referred by the Coordinator for Services for Undocumented Students to the Financial Wellness Center for a consultation.
You will be required to meet with Program Manager as a next step in this process. Please list your availability to meet (Monday - Friday). Victoria will be contacting you to schedule a meeting.
In order to have your funds approved by Victoria, please provide us with supporting documents that proof your need for Student Success Funds
Files must be less than 2 MB.
Allowed file types: pdf.

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