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

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 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.

Board of Governors Fee Waiver

Waives community college $46/unit enrollment fees for eligible students
BOG Fee Waiver Form or California Dream Application.

Assistance from EOPS, CARE or CalWORKs

Services offered varies; may include services such as tutoring, book vouchers or other types of financial aid for those who meet specific eligibility requirements
See department for Institutional application.

• Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS)
• CalWORKs

Cal Grant A or Cal Grant B

Community College Transfer Entitlement

January 1 – March 2
  Financial Aid Office, or California Student Aid Commission Grant award covering tuition and education-related expenses when transferring to an eligible Baccalaureate degree granting institution. California Dream Application* and GPA Verification Form

Cal Grant B -Entitlement

January 1 – March 2
Grant award to help education-related expenses for recent high school graduates
California Dream Application and GPA Verification Form

Cal Grant C

January 1 – March 2
Financial Aid Office, or California Student Aid Commission
Grant award covering education-related expenses for occupational or career technical programs. California Dream Application*, Cal Grant C Supplemental Application and High School or Community College GPA Verification Form

Chafee Grant

Apply as soon as possible (awards are limited)
Grant award covering education-related expenses for 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.