Undocumented Student Programs

Butterfly Project Fellowship Program

What is the Butterfly Project Fellowship Program?

The The Butterfly Project Fellowship is an experiential learning initiative designed specifically for AB540, CA DREAM Act, non-DACA and undocumented students. This program provides mentorship, campus service opportunities, academic development, professional development workshops and financial aid support. Butterfly Project Fellows will receive scholarship funds of up to $7,200 for Undergrads and up to $9,000 for Grads, disbursed through the Financial Aid Office. 

Note: Students are eligible to receive up to the full amount of the scholarship if they have room in their financial aid packages.   

Butterfly Project Fellowship Eligibility

• Be an enrolled undergraduate, graduate or professional student at UCR
• Be a California DREAM Act Applicant (CADAA)
• Be an AB 540 Eligible student
• A non-DACA eligible, undocumented student
• Fellow cannot be a College Corps Fellow or enrolled in a secondary program that provides a scholarship through the Financial Aid Office
• Must be in and maintain Good Academic Standing

Butterfly Project Fellowship Track Requirements

The Butterfly Project Fellowship offers two tracks. 

The first track is for undergraduate students who will participate in their experiential learning opportunity site by participating in a hands-on internship or participate in academic research projects and take part in a an academic internship course UGRD 198G.  Students can receive up to $7,200 per year or $2,400/quarter.

The second track is for graduate students who will participate in academic research projects alongside a Faculty Mentor during the academic year and enroll in an eligible independent or directed research studies course. Students can receive up to $9,000 per year or $3,000/quarter.

Track 1: 

• Commit 12 hours weekly to their internship site or research project
• Attend Welcome Orientation in person in October
• Submit Quarterly Program Assessments
• Enroll in the UGRD 198G course associated with Butterfly Project Fellowship
  • Class is pass/No Pass
• Visit USP or attend USP events 3 times per quarter
• Participate in end of year symposium 
• Meet 1:1 with USP Staff each quarter

Note: Undergraduate students who participate in Butterfly Project for 20225-2026, will need to enroll in a 4 unit, UGRD198G course every quarter for 25-26. This class will meet every Wednesday from 10am-11am during the Fall quarter. Attendance is required. Course enrollment information will be provided once applicants are successfully accepted into the program.

Track 2: 

• Commit 15 hours weekly to their academic research project
• Attend Welcome Orientation in person in October
• Submit Quarterly Program Assessments
• Enroll in an eligible 198I, 190, 191 or a directed or independent studies graduate course
  • Class is pass/No Pass
• Visit USP or attend USP events 2 times per quarter
• Participate in end of year symposium 
• Meet 1:1 with USP Staff each quarter

Butterfly Project Fellowship Application

Application components:

• 1 page cover letter answering 200-500 word prompts
• Submit a resume/CV
• Provide Mentor Information (If applicable)
• Financial Aid screenshot
• Deadline is August 17th at 11:45pm!

Become A Butterfly Project Staff or Faculty Mentor!

You can apply here to serve as Mentor for the 2025-2026 Academic Year! 

Please note the application is for Staff and Faculty only.

Apply