Self-Reliance
Empowering students to take control of their future.
Our Why
We help undocumented students stop waiting and start building.
At UndocuStartup, our mission is to help undocumented students unlock career and income opportunities through entrepreneurship. Our flagship program, the UndocuStartup™ Bootcamp, helps students turn ideas into action.
In just one day, participants build, pitch, and validate a business, often securing their first customer. We're not here to lecture. We're here to get results.
UndocuStartup™ is more than a name. It's a mindset. You are not confined to independent contracting. You can launch startups, service businesses, nonprofits, digital products, or anything you imagine.
Results, not lectures
Core Values
The beliefs behind every UndocuStartup bootcamp.
We design every program around agency, creativity, mutual support, and a future where undocumented students can build their own opportunities.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Turning obstacles into opportunities.
Community
Building a supportive network of like-minded entrepreneurs.
Inclusive Future
Believing that self-employment will lead to more inclusive job opportunities for all.
About the founder
Meet the founder behind UndocuStartup.
At 21, I landed my dream internship but couldn't be hired due to my status, no DACA. Despite having the skills, I lacked work authorization. Determined to solve this problem, I turned to entrepreneurship.
Prior to this, I started a headshot photography business to fund my UCLA education. That's when I realized my future didn't depend on DACA, but on my own determination and effort. Now, I'm helping undocumented students build their futures through PREPARE.
Juan Maya Hernandez
Chief Executive Officer & Founder