Early Bird

MSU Denver, partners receive $272,000 to support immigrants and undocumented Coloradans

The grant will establish an online and phone-based hub with tailored supportive services and resources.

By Lindsey Coulter

August 18, 2020

Metropolitan State University of Denver, together with several community partners, recently received a $272,000 grant from an anonymous donor to support a number of critical services specifically for immigrants and undocumented Coloradans.

The one-year grant will create UndocuHub, a centralized, bilingual, phone- and web-based resource that provides direct access to information, dedicated staff, accurate legal and community information, food and financial resources, physical and mental health care, COVID-19 resources, and educational and employment opportunities. The project is a collaboration among MSU Denver, the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition and the Denver Children’s Advocacy Center and will seek to facilitate greater collaboration and coordination among a broad array of service providers locally and across the state. MSU Denver will serve as the lead agency, employing a new program coordinator and student ambassadors and providing office space and financial management.

Not limited to students, UndocuHub will serve the general undocumented and immigrant populations across Colorado. Megan Conklin, executive director, Corporate and Foundation Relations, estimates that once fully established UndocuHub will likely serve thousands of people across the state. While the grant cycle is for one year, the team expects to have some elements of UndocuHub available within six months.

MSU Denver was an ideal agency to lead the effort as the University has been an outspoken and active supporter for Colorado’s undocumented and immigrant communities.

“We have been a leader in advocating for immigrant rights and access to higher education and career opportunities, and we have a history of partnership with like-minded organizations such as CIRC and DCAC,” said Gregor Mieder, director of Immigrant Services. “UndocuHub will be a further extension of the University’s commitment to serving the DACA and undocumented community beyond the classroom and beyond the campus.”

Mieder added that UndocuHub is an embodiment of the University’s commitment to providing access to the American dream for all community members. As envisioned by the 2020 Strategic Plan, this project shows the University’s dedication to mutual, meaningful relationships between the University and the broader Colorado community and its goal of solving real-world problems.