Financial Aid Resources for Undocumented Students

What is the CA DREAM Act?

The California DREAM Act of 2011 is the result of two bills, Assembly Bill 130 (AB130) and Assembly Bill 131 (AB131). Together these bills allow undocumented and documented students who meet certain provisions of AB540 law to apply for and receive private scholarships through public universities (AB130), state-administered financial aid, university grants, and community college fee waivers (AB131).

Additional Resources for the CA DREAM Act Application

CA DREAM Act Application

Completing the California Dream Act Application

DREAM Act (California Community Colleges)

What is AB540?

Signed into law in October 2001, California Assembly Bill (AB540) is a bill that provides an exemption to the requirement to pay nonresident tuition. It was later adopted by the California Community Colleges (CCC), the California State University (CSU), and the University of California (UC) systems.
Any student who meets specific requirements shall be exempt from paying nonresident tuition at all public colleges and universities in California.

What are the requirements for AB540?

Students must have attended high school in CA for three year or more;

Student must have graduated from a California High School or attained the equivalent of a high school diploma (i.e., passed the GED or CA High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE);
Student must register or be currently enrolled in one of the three state institutions of higher learning (CCC, CSU, UC);
Student without immigration status must file an affidavit with the college or university stating that they/s/he will apply/legalize their/his/her status or will do so as soon as s/he is eligible to do so.
Complete this online tool to learn if you qualify for in-state tuition: CA In-State Tuition Tool

AB540 expanded with SB68

SB68 expands AB540 by counting years spent at a Community College and Adult School towards AB540 eligibility.
Quick Guide for AB 540

Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) at Santiago Canyon College

🔍 What is DSIG?

The Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) is a state financial aid program for undocumented students who meet AB 540/SB 68 eligibility requirements and have applied through the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). The program provides up to $4,500 per academic year for students who complete 150 volunteer community or campus service hours.

🎓 Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for DSIG, students must:

Be eligible for a Cal Grant B award through the California Dream Act.
Be enrolled at least half-time (6 units or more).
Not receive a Full-Time Student Success Grant (FTSSG) or Cal Grant C for the same term.
Complete community or campus service hours with an approved organization.
Maintain satisfactory academic progress.

💼 How to Participate

Submit Your CADAA Visit https://www.csac.ca.gov/dsig and complete your California Dream Act Application by the March 2 priority deadline.
Apply for the Cal Grant Check your WebGrants4Students account to confirm Cal Grant B eligibility.
Choose an Approved Organization Complete your required service hours (150 hours per semester or 300 hours per academic year) with: - A non-profit community organization, or - An on-campus department offering service opportunities.
Track and Report Your Hours Submit your service logs to SCC’s DSIG Coordinator by the specified deadlines.
Receive Your Grant! Once hours are verified and processed, funds are disbursed to your student account.

📍DSIG at Santiago Canyon College

We are proud to offer on-campus opportunities for DSIG participants at SCC.

Volunteer placements may include:

First Year Support Center (FYSC)
Dreamer Resource Program
Food Pantry & Basic Needs Center
UMOJA
TRiO Classic and TRiO Teachers
Transfer Success Center
And Much More!

For off-campus opportunities, students must ensure the organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and verify this.

🧑‍🏫 For Faculty & Staff:

How to Support Faculty and staff can support DSIG students by:

Hosting DSIG volunteers in your department.
Encouraging eligible students to apply.
Referring students to the FYSC or Financial Aid Office for assistance.

📌 Important Deadlines

CA Dream Act Application Priority Deadline: March 2 📎 Helpful Resources
California Student Aid Commission - DSIG https://www.csac.ca.gov/dsig
WebGrants4Students Portal https://mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov/
SCC Financial Aid Office: sccollege.edu/finaid
SCC Dreamer Resource Program: https://sccollege.edu/students/studentservices/dreamers/SitePages/Home.aspx

📬Contact Us FYSC Coordinator
📍 First Year Support Center (E-303)
📧 ramirez_alejandro@sccollege.edu
📞 (714) 628-5085

For more information:

Visit the Overview for Students Webpage for information, Frequently Asked Questions, and additional program details: www.csac.ca.gov/dsig

California Student Aid Commission Student Support

(888) 224-7268

studentsupport@csac.ca.gov