Dream Act Information
What is the California Dream Act?
The Dream Act is really two laws that were passed in 2011 and allow AB 540 students to apply for and receive several types of financial aid, including:
- Board of Governors Fee Waivers
- State financial aid like Cal Grants and Chafee Grants
- Assistance from EOPS, CARE or CalWORKs
- Privately-funded scholarships
Check with your college financial aid, scholarship, EOPS/CARE and CalWORKs offices to see what is available.
What is an AB 540 student?
You are an AB 540 student, and exempt from paying non-resident enrollment fees, if you meet all of the following criteria:
- Attended a California high school for at least three years;
- Graduated from a California high school, got a GED or passed the California High School Proficiency Exam;
- Are registered or enrolled at a California community college;
AND
- If required, complete an affidavit saying you have filed (or will file when you are eligible to do so) for legal immigration status.
Please contact your college Admissions Office to determine if you are AB 540 eligible.
Available Types of Aid:
Several types of state and institutional aid are available to AB 540 students as a result of the California Dream Act.
Check out the chart below for additional information, eligibility and application timing. You can also link directly to several of the required applications from the chart, under the "Type of Application Required" column.
Grant/Scholarship
| When to apply
| Who do I contact, or where do I apply?
| What is it?
| Type of application required
|
Privately Funded Institutional Scholarships |
Apply annually by deadlines – check with your college |
Scholarship or Financial Aid Offices |
Helps pay for education-related expenses |
Institutional application(s) |
Board of Governors Fee Waiver |
Apply now for Winter/Spring 2013 term and annually thereafter |
Financial Aid Office |
Waives community college enrollment fees for eligible students |
California Dream Application* or BOG Fee Waiver Form |
Assistance from EOPS, CARE or CalWORKs |
Apply now |
EOPS/CARE or CalWORKs Offices |
Varies; may include services such as tutoring, book vouchers or other types of financial aid for those who meet specific eligibility requirements |
Institutional application(s) |
Community College Transfer Entitlement
Cal Grant A or Cal Grant B |
January 1 – March 2, 2013 for the Fall 2013 term |
Financial Aid Office or California Student Aid Commission |
Grant award covering tuition and education-related expenses for eligible students transferring to a baccalaureate degree granting institution |
California Dream Application* and GPA Verification Form** |
Cal Grant B -Entitlement |
January 1 – March 2, 2013 for the Fall 2013 term |
Financial Aid Office or California Student Aid Commission |
Grant award covering education-related expenses for eligible recent high school graduates |
California Dream Application* and GPA Verification Form** |
Cal Grant C |
January 1 – March 2, 2013 for the Fall 2013 term (number of awards are limited) |
Financial Aid Office or California Student Aid Commission |
Grant award covering education-related expenses for eligible students in occupational or career technical programs |
California Dream Application* and Cal Grant C Supplemental Application and GPA Verification Form** |
Chafee Grant |
Apply as soon as possible each year (applications open in January; number of awards are limited) |
Financial Aid Office or California Student Aid Commission |
Grant award covering education-related expenses for eligible foster youth |
California Dream Application* and Chafee Grant Application |
* To apply for any or all of the financial aid programs requiring the California Dream Application, you only need to complete and submit ONE application.
**Refer to the GPA Verification Form available on the California Dream Act website, at www.caldreamact.org, to help determine who needs to certify your GPA. If you have further questions, check with your Financial Aid Office.
Where do I start?
Follow the steps below to get started on the road to fulfilling your college dreams!
- Find a California community college near you, and explore the majors and course offerings. You can find the community college closest to you by using the zip code search in the upper left hand corner of this page.
- Complete the admissions process for the college you have selected to attend.
- Apply for financial aid. For more information about the types of financial aid available to AB 540 students as a result of the California Dream Act, refer to the chart above. You can link to many of the required applications directly from the chart, under the "Type of Application Required" column.
- Meet with a college counselor to develop a plan to help you achieve your educational goals.
|
