If you are not a US Citizen or permanent resident but are attending college, you may still be eligible for financial aid through the California Dream Act!

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What is the California Dream Act?

The California Dream Act allows students who are not US Citizens or permanent residents but meet AB 540 Criteria to apply for and receive certain types of financial aid to help pay for college. The legislation was created through AB 130 and AB 131, authored by Assembly Member Gil Cedillo (Los Angeles).

AB 130 allows eligible students who meet AB 540 criteria to receive non-state, privately-funded scholarships at public colleges and universities. 

AB 131 allows eligible students who meet AB 540 criteria to receive state-funded financial aid, including institutional grants, Cal Grants and the Chafee Grant.

Download PCC's AB540 Financial Aid Brochure  

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Who Is Eligible?

You may be eligible for the Dream Act if you meet the AB 540 criteria, which include:

1. You are not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States

2. You attended a California high school for a minimum of three years or you have credits earned at California high school that are equivalent to three or more years of full-time high school coursework and a total of three or more years of attendance in California elementary schools, California secondary schools, or a combination of those schools. 

3. You graduated from a California high school, passed the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) or got a General Equivalency Diploma (GED, also called the General Educational Development test) or other state-authorized high school equivalency exam such as HiSET or TASC.

4. You are an entering to enroll or are currently enrolled at a California college or university.

5. If required, you will complete an affidavit stating you have filed (or will file when you are eligible to do so) for proper immigration status.

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Dream Service Incentive Grant (DSIG)

A paid community service opportunity for AB 540 students

The Dream Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) provides financial support for California Dream Act Application (CADAA) students who complete approved community or volunteer service. Students can serve on or off campus through qualifying organizations.

To qualify, you must:

• Complete the CADAA for the academic year
• Be an active Cal Grant A or B recipient
• Demonstrate sufficient financial need, verified by CSAC and the college

Students can earn up to $4,500 per academic year by completing 300 volunteer hours.

Interested in participating?

Visit the Dream Resource Center to learn more!

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