SPARK: First-Year Peer Mentoring Program for Undocumented Students

The SPARK (Spartans Promoting Advocacy, Resources, and Knowledge) peer mentoring program is an initiative designed to empower and support first-year undocumented students (FTF and Transfers) in their academic journey at SJSU and beyond. Through mentor-mentee connections, community-building activities, and informative workshops, SPARK strives to cultivate a nurturing environment that kindles a sense of belonging and empowerment amongst UndocuSpartans. Additionally, students will receive holistic support to help them navigate personal and academic barriers that they may encounter due to their immigration status.

Components of the program:

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

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

SPARK Summer Academy

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

The SPARK Summer Academy is a pre-matriculation program for students who have been admitted to the SPARK Peer Mentoring Program. Prior to starting the academic year, students will have an opportunity to connect with their peers, SJSU 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.

Fridays: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

April 11th, 18th, 25th

May 2nd, 9th, & 16th

2025-26 SPARK Application Opens Soon

For more information about the SPARK Summer Academy, go to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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 SJSU. This opportunity is only for SJSU 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.

Apply to become a SPARK Mentor