WSU Tri-Cities student donate stimulus check to DACA program

RICHLAND, Wash. – A Washington State University Tri-Cities graduate student is donating his relief check to a program that supports local students who are part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA).

When Aaron Pelley saw an email detailing ways to support DACA students during the COVID-19 pandemic, he decided the money would be best spent supporting students that may not have resources to continue their studies or maintain their legal status.

“I am in a position where I could do this - provide support for students that otherwise might not have the resources to be able to eat, pay rent and renew for the DACA program,” Pelly said. “My wife and I have a stable income. We wanted to use these funds to help support individuals who are really struggling. There are many who have lost their jobs and have nowhere else to turn. Many may not have the resources to afford renewing their DACA application amid the pandemic.”

With Pelly’s donation, a new fund was set up to support application fees for DACA students, which cost an average of $500 per application. Pelly and his wife are donating $2,000 to support the cost of applications for DACA students.

Pelly completes his master’s program in environmental science at WSU Tri-Cities this spring. His wife is a local school teacher. Both know the value of education and how the funds will support individuals achieve a great life for themselves and their families.

“That is four students that could renew their applications,” he said. “There are a lot of people suffering right now. This is one small thing that we can do to help make a large impact for a few people.”

Yaslin Torres-Pena, president of the WSU Tri-Cities Dreamers Club, said when Pelly reached out to her to help get a fund created to support students looking to renew their DACA application, she was shocked in a good way.

“I knew WSU Tri-Cities was filled with amazing people, but I just never thought this would happen,” she said. “The club and I will forever be grateful to Aaron. Our club has worked really hard to provide a safe and accepting space for students, so hopefully these DACA renewal funds will reach students most in need.”

Individuals interested in donating to the fund can contact Jaime Heppler, WSU Tri-Cities executive director of advancement and community engagement, at jaime.heppler@wsu.edu or 509-372-7207.