Our Story

Our Story

In June 2009, our Executive Director and Founder, Liana E. Montecinos, invited a group of college students who were leaders in their communities to join her in helping undocumented students go to college. 

Each of these students had overcome years of struggles in their pursuit of attaining higher education. Some had been homeless, some were in removal proceedings, while others had to walk long distances and take several buses to attend their university. Together they resolved to create a movement -- one that would foster possibilities for others with the same dreams and aspirations. The result was United for Social Justice.

What so many students take for granted, immigrant and disadvantaged students fight hard for.

While a regular student worries about passing classes and choosing a major, others are unable to begin the college/university’s application process because they do not have a social security number. Many struggle with the insurmountable cost of tuition, unaware of scholarship opportunities, while others are ineligible to even apply for financial aid and most scholarships due to their immigration status. But these students are sustained by their hopes and the encouragement of their families, and we know that with knowledgeable guidance and support, they can achieve limitless possibilities.