We're building a network of undocumented youth, teachers, and allies in New York City to defend and support immigrant communities.

The NYSYLC was created in 2007 by a group of undocumented youth in New York, seeking to advocate for their community and build spaces for empowerment and self-expression. Since then, we have organized with undocumented youth, teachers, and allies to improve conditions in New York and directly support undocumented youth and their families.

Why We Need Your Support

Your donations will allow us to:

Build a network of undocumented youth, teachers, and allies to defend immigrants against attacks from the Trump administration, through strategies that include deportation defense and know-your-rights trainings,
Launch campaigns to create safe and well-paying jobs for undocumented youth,
Build and support undocumented student clubs, fostering peer support and advocacy at schools and colleges across the city,
Train undocumented youth to become volunteers, decision-makers, and leaders in our organization,
Support undocumented high school seniors in achieving their postsecondary goals through our Undocu Academy program

We are fundraising to pay living wages to youth facilitators, buy food for meetings with members, rent space for our events and programs, provide stipends to Undocu Academy participants, and more.

Over the years, your support for our undocumented-and-unafraid organizing model has made so many wins possible:

We introduced and led the campaign for the NYS Dream Act, opening state financial aid to thousands of undocumented students.
In partnership with CUNY-IIE and the NYC DOE, we led a pilot program in five public schools, showing how to hire and develop staff to support undocumented students and their families.
We introduced the concept of Dream Teams: student clubs led by undocumented students, where they can build community, share resources, and advocate for their needs. Since then, Dream Teams have been launched in 20+ schools across the city.
We launched the first COVID-19 emergency fund for undocumented immigrants in NYC, raising nearly $500,000 for over 1,000 families.
We launched the first college access program in New York specifically designed for undocumented youth, supporting over 40 students in getting into college and accessing financial aid.

Members of the NYSYLC have leveraged their experiences to start new organizations — including United We Dream, Queens Neighborhood United, and Undocu Nature — and become leaders in social justice, education, government, art, and more.

Become a Member

Want to get more involved in supporting the immigrant community? Join or volunteer with one of our teams:

Advocacy Team: Building campaigns for immigrant justice, including more work opportunities for undocumented youth and rapid response.
Organizing Team: Developing undocumented youth into active leaders in their community, through training, political education, and more.
Undocu Academy: Supporting undocumented high schoolers in achieving their goals beyond graduation, including accessing college and financial aid, finding work, and other life skills.
Fundraising Team: Raising money for NYSYLC's youth-led work, through creative events, increased visibility, and relationship-building.
Teach Dream: Organizing teachers and administrators to increase support for undocumented students and reform the education system.

We're also interested in partnering with schools, organizations, and others working to support immigrants.

Email info[at]nysylc[dot]org to join us or partner with us.

Donate to NYSYLC: Undocumented Youth Leading Change!

By New York State Youth Leadership Council

Donate to NYSYLC: Undocumented Youth Leading Change!

The NYSYLC works to create an inclusive society where currently- and formerly-undocumented youth belong, thrive, and are unafraid.

Team Members