Boston is offering immigrants—including people in the country illegally—$575 to complete a city-sponsored course in community organizing and advocacy.
The eligibility language on Boston’s own website is explicit:
“Interested applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of their immigration status.”
Run through Mayor Michelle Wu’s Office for Immigrant Advancement, Immigrants Lead Boston teaches participants how to organize their communities, engage government officials and advocate for change. Its fall 2026 course runs from September 21 through December 5.
Boston calls the $575 completion payment a scholarship to make participation more accessible.
Participants must attend the sessions and complete outside civic activities. The city also promises introductions to key officials.
The published rules establish that undocumented immigrants can apply. They do not disclose how many have received payments.
The program’s political ambitions become clearer in a published profile of its approach, which describes teaching the “art of politics.”
Its power-analysis instruction includes:
“Networking with people in positions of power for community advancement.”
