California Dream Act

What is the California Dream Act?

The California Dream Act allows undocumented students, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients (valid or expired), U Visa holders and students under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), those who qualify for a non-resident exemption (AB 540) to receive certain types of financial aid such as: private scholarships funded through public colleges, state administered financial aid, community college fee waivers, and Cal Grants. In addition, the California Dream Act, allows eligible students to pay in-state tuition at any public
college in California.

California DREAM Act Application (CADAA)

California DREAM Act Application (CADAA)

OCC School Code: 001250

Note: If you are considered a dependent student on the Dream Act application – you should have your parents’ financial information ready and parent signature is required.

AB540 Students

AB 540, passed in 2001, allows students who meet all of the following criteria to pay the same tuition and fees as resident students at California public colleges and universities. Starting on January 1, 2013, the California Dream Act extends Cal Grant A & B Entitlement awards, Cal Grant C awards, institutional grants, and community college fee waivers to students who meet these same criteria. To receive Dream Act aid, AB 540 and AB 131 student(s) must:

Graduate from a California high school or pass the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) or get a General Equivalency Diploma (GED, also called General Educational Development test).
Enroll in at a California Community College.
If required, complete an affidavit stating you have filed (or will file when you are eligible to do so) for proper immigration status.
To receive Cal Grant, you must also meet all other Cal Grant eligibility requirements.

Note: Please see the college Admissions Office to determine if you are AB540 eligible.