WILLIMANTIC--Robert Diaz is graduating from Eastern Connecticut State University in one week.
It's taken hard work and dedication to get here. That's because Diaz is a so-called "DREAMer"--his family moved to the U.S. when he was 11-years-old. Diaz had to learn English, but he eventually graduated from high school in Groton.
He then worked part-time to get through community college, eventually transferring to Eastern, a four-year school.
Diaz said it was tough because, as an undocumented immigrant with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, status, he wasn't able to get financial aid.
"It was a lot of tears and effort,” said Diaz.
That could change for other students in his position.
It was announced Tuesday that Eastern, along with Delaware State University, was chosen to participate in a scholarship program that helps DREAMers afford college.
"We want them contributing to the growth and prosperity in the state of Connecticut,” said Connecticut State Colleges and Universities President Mark Ojakian. “We cannot afford to leave them behind."
It's run by TheDream.US and will help pay tuition for 500 out-of-state immigrant students, and 100 in-state DREAMers at the two universities.
These are private funds and won't cost the state any money.
Eastern says there is enough capacity for these students, and they are not taking spots from others in-state.
"Educating and preparing our the future workforce and leaders is not only good for these young people and their families it is good for our broader society and will make sure that we have the skill set and talent necessary to compete with the rest of the world,” said Governor Dannel Malloy.
This past legislative session, DREAMers pushed for a bill at Connecticut's Capitol that would give current students access to financial aid at state schools, regardless of immigration status. The bill passed the Senate, but died in the House.
The program begins this upcoming fall semester.
