DREAMers Resources: Scholarships & Financial Aid

Scholarship Resources​

• Act on a Dream focuses on providing immigrant youth with equal access to educational opportunities. Provides database for searching scholarships.
• TheDream.US website to learn more about scholarship opportunities
• E4FC scholarship resources for undocumented students
• MALDEF Latino legal civil rights organization. MALDEF Scholarship Resource Guide is a free, informative resource guide for students, parents, and educators with an extensive list of scholarships, including many that do not inquire about immigration status.
• My (un)documented Life My (un)documented Life is dedicated to providing up-to-date information and resources for undocumented immigrants. Here, you will find the latest on scholarship opportunities, immigration news, ways in navigating the educational system, and more.
• SALEF Salvadoran-American Leadership & Educational Fund. Scholarship fund for Central American and Latino students, including AB 540 students, with over 1,000 scholarships provided since 1998  
• Scholarships A-Z ALL students can go to college, regardless of immigration status. And yes, there are scholarships available too. Scholarships listed are organized by month and due date. Select the month you’re looking for on the top of the chart. Search for due dates, contact info, amounts, and requirements.

• ab540.com This site is designed to address the most common questions raised by unprotected immigrant students who want a better future.
• California Dream Network statewide network of existing and emerging college campus organizations who actively address undocumented student issues and who work to create broader social change around immigration reform and access to higher education
• CARECEN Immigrant rights organization based in LA. Provides community organizing, workshops, classes and legal services.
• CHIRLA Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA). Civic engagement, Community Education, Legal Immigration Services, Organizing and Policy & Advocacy work.
• Educators for Fair Consideration (E4FC) Empowering undocumented young people to achieve educational and career goals
• I Can Afford College Statewide, financial aid awareness initiative sponsored by the California Community Colleges
• United We Dream Immigrant youth building a movement for justice
• California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) website to apply for the CA Dream Act Application for financial aid

WHAT FINANCIAL AID CAN A DREAMER APPLY FOR? 

- Cal Grant, Chafee Grant, Middle Class Scholarship
- UC Grants, State University Grants
- California Community College (CCC) BOG Fee Waiver
- EOP/EOPS
- Some University scholarships
- Some private scholarships administered by campuses

Application deadline for all Dreamer Cal Grants and most of the other aid listed above is March 2.

Dreamer Cal Grants include:

• High School Entitlement Cal Grant A & B
• CCC Transfer Entitlement Cal Grant A & B
• Cal Grant C

(Dreamers are not eligible to receive Competitive Cal Grants.)

A Dreamer Cal Grant application = CA Dream Act Application + Non-SSN GPA

You can submit your GPA the following ways

• Non-SSN - Best!
• SSN (with your DACA) - but you MUST make sure you include your DACA SSN on Question #8 of your CA Dream Act Application (may slow down processing of your application)

You must meet the application deadline and all applicable eligibility requirements to qualify for any financial aid listed above.

Get help on your application at a Cash for College workshop in your area.

For other financial aid and resources for Dreamers visit: e4fc.org, maldef.org

(Source: California Student Aid Commission - AC Dream Act)

CAL GRANTS FOR DREAMERS 

The application deadline for all Dreamer Cal Grants is March 2.

High School Entitlement Cal Grant A & B
- Meet AB 540 requirements
- Graduate high school or equivalent (GED, CHSPE) after July 1, 2013
- Submit a high school GPA

CCC Transfer Entitlement Cal Grant A & B
- Meet AB 540 requirements
- Under 28 by Dec 31st of the award year
- Attend a community college in the academic year immediately before the award year
- Submit a community college GPA of 24+ units (2.40 or higher)
- Include a 4-year college on your Dream App

Cal Grant C
- Meet AB 540 requirements
- Enroll in an occupational or technical program
- Indicate an occupational or technical program on Q#30 of your Dream App

Dreamers are not eligible to receive Competitive Cal Grant A & B awards.

A Dreamer Cal Grant application = CA Dream Act Application + Non-SSN GPA

You must meet the application deadline and all applicable eligibility requirements to qualify for any Cal Grants listed above.

If you are not eligible for a Dreamer Cal Grant, visit the financial aid office to find out what other aid is available.

(Source: California Student Aid Commission - AC Dream Act)