California Dream Act

 

California Dream Act 

The California Dream Act allows undocumented students to receive scholarships administered by public institutions (AB-130) and state funded grants including Cal Grants, California College Promise Grant (AB-131).  Assembly Bills 130 & 131, known as the California DREAM Act of 2011, are laws that increase access to financial aid for undocumented students who attend a public university, community college or private college in California.  To qualify, students must meet the requirements for AB 540 and not be eligible to apply for the FAFSA.

A student may qualify for exemption from nonresident tuition

• Attended a California high school for at least three years, or
• Attainment of credits earned in California from a California high school equivalent to 3 or more years of full-time high school coursework and attended a combination of elementary, middle and/or High school in California for a total of 3 or more years.
• Graduated from a California high school, and receive a GED or passed the California High proficiency exam.
• Must register or is currently enrolled at an accredited institution of higher education in California
• Must not hold a valid non-immigrant Visa (F,J,H,L, etc.)
• Must file or will file an affidavit as required by the college.

**If you have a Temporary Protected Status or hold a U Visa you may be eligible for the California Dream Act. (Please come by our office for more information.)

How to apply for the California Dream Act Application (CADAA)

The California Dream Act Application is used by undocumented students who meet the non-resident exemption requirements under AB 540. The application can be found the at California Student Aid Commission. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) processes the application and any aid received can only be used at eligible California public or private institutions.

To be considered for a Cal Grant award, a completed financial aid application and a certified Grade Point Average (GPA) must be submitted by the March 2 deadline.

Note: For additional information on learning what the California Dream Act is, please click on the videos below: