National Advocacy Groups and Organizations

National Advocacy Groups and Organizations for International, Latinx/Hispanic & Immigrant Students

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Association of Latino Professionals for America 
With more than 95,000 members, the Association of Latino Professionals for America offers professional development and educational opportunities. Members can receive tuition grants to schools such as American Public University, as well as scholarships and fellowships.

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EducationUSA 
EducationUSA is a U.S. Department of State network of over 430 international student advising centers in more than 175 countries and territories. The network promotes U.S. higher education to students around the world by offering accurate, comprehensive, and current information about opportunities to study at accredited postsecondary institutions in the United States. 

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Excelencia in Education 
Excelencia in Education, created by Latinas in 2004, works to close the equity gap by serving as a source for educational research and leadership. To promote student success, Excelencia partners with businesses, government officials, colleges, the media, and advocacy groups.

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Hispanic Heritage Foundation 
Created in 1987, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation offers leadership, educational support services, workforce development, and public awareness programs. Students can participate in the STEM Symposia to access workforce development opportunities and coding programs.

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Hispanic Scholarship Fund 
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF), established in 1975, has awarded more than $650 million in scholarships to Hispanic and Latino/a students. Each year, some 10,000 high school, undergraduate, and graduate students enroll in the HSF Scholars program to receive career support services, scholarships, and academic mentorship.

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Homeland Security: Study in the States 
Use information and resources on this page to learn about the process for becoming an international student and the rules for studying in the United States.

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Immigrants Rising 
Immigrants Rising strives to increase educational access and opportunities for undocumented people through institutional policy changes and direct support to empower educators, students, and communities.

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Institute of International Education (IIE) 
Founded in 1919, IIE is the largest non-profit organization in the USA devoted to international exchange. IIE manages more than 200 programs and develops scholarship and training programs. Their website also includes a searchable database of scholarships. 

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International Student Services Association (ISSA) 
International Student Services Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a better future for students who are immigrants to the U.S.A by providing information, inspiration, and motivation for students to navigate their education and develop their future careers beyond high school.

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League of United Latin American Citizens 
Since 1929, the League of United Latin American Citizens has offered community programs and assistance, including $1 million in scholarship aid annually, literacy training, and job skills programs. 

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MANA, A National Latina Organization 
Since 1974, MANA has empowered Latinas and their families through leadership programs. Latina youths aged 11-18 can access mentoring services and leadership programs.

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NAFSA: Financial Aid for Undergraduate International Students 
NAFSA: Association of International Educators is the world's largest and most comprehensive nonprofit association dedicated to international education and exchange, working to advance policies and practices that ensure a more interconnected, peaceful world today and for generations to come.

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National Immigration Law Center 
Established in 1979, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is one of the leading advocacy organizations in the U.S. dedicated to advancing and defending the rights and opportunities of low-income immigrants and their loved ones.

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National Hispanic Institute 
Established in 1979, the National Hispanic Institute provides service and community leadership opportunities to high school and college students. The organization serves approximately 2,000 to 2,500 students every year. 

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OPT for Humanity 
At OPT for Humanity, we connect graduating international students with local charities or social impact organizations willing to sponsor students’ Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs in roles related to their majors. 

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President’s Alliance 
We are an alliance of American college and university leaders dedicated to increasing public understanding of how immigration policies and practices impact our students, campuses and communities. 

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The Immigrant Learning Center 
This Educator Resource Hub from The ILC Public Education Institute offers a carefully curated collection of resources to help you support your foreign-born students and educate all students about U.S. immigration. 

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UnidosUS 
Founded in 1968, UnidosUS champions the Latino/a community through numerous programs. The organization offers a Homeownership Network, advocates for minimum wage and overtime protections for home-care workers, and provides citizenship programs. UnidosUS also advocates for high-quality education.

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UnitedWeDream 
The largest immigrant youth-led network in the country that advocates for the dignity and respect of all immigrants.

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US Department of Education: Educational Resources for Immigrants, Refugees, Asylees and other New Americans 
Page dedicated to providing information and resources for immigrant, refugee, asylee students and families.