California Dream Act

What is the California Dream Act? (Español)

The Dream Act is really two laws that were passed in 2011 and allow AB 540 students to apply for and receive several types of financial aid, including:

  • California College Promise Grant (formerly known as BOG Fee Waiver)
  • State financial aid like Cal Grants and Chafee Grants
  • Assistance from EOPS or CARE
  • Privately-funded scholarships

Click here to apply online for the California Dream Act

Check with the IVC financial aid, scholarship, and the EOPS/CARE offices to see what is available.

What is an AB 540 student?

You are an AB 540 student, and exempt from paying non-resident enrollment fees, if you meet all of the following criteria:

  • Attended a California high school for at least three years; OR attained the equivalent of at least three years of credits from a California high school and attended at least three full years at California K-12 schools.
  • Graduated from a California high school, got a GED or passed the California High School Proficiency Exam;
  • Are registered or enrolled at a California community college; AND
  • If required, complete an affidavit saying you have filed (or will file when you are eligible to do so) for legal immigration status.

Resources for undocumented students
http://www.cccco.edu/ResourcesforUndocumentedStudents.aspx

Grant/Scholarships

Eligible to apply

Who do I contact,or
where do I apply?

What is this?

 Type of application
required

Privately Funded 
Institutional
Scholarships

Apply annually, applications open in the Spring.

IVC Foundation

Helps pay for 
education-related
expenses

 Institutional
application(s)

California College Promise Grant (CCPG)

 

Apply now for current year and annually thereafter 

 IVC Financial Aid Office

 Waives community
college enrollment
fees for eligible students		 CCPG Online Application  or California
Dream Act Application*
Assistance from
EOPS, CARE and CalWORKs		 Apply now IVC EOPS and Cal WORKs Office Varies; may include services such as 
textbook vouchers and other types of financial aid for those who meet specific eligibility requirements. 		 Institutional application(s)
Cal Grant A or Cal Grant B Community College Transfer Entitlement

 

 Application period is October 1 -March 2, annually for the following the Fall term IVC Financial Aid Office or California Student Aid Commission

Grant award covering tuition and education-related expenses for eligible students transferring to a baccalaureate
degree-granting institution.

California Dream Act Application* and GPA Verification Form
Cal Grant A or B - Entitlement

Application period is October 1 -March 2, annually for the following the Fall term

 IVC Financial Aid Office or California Student Aid Commission Grant award covering education-related expenses for eligible recent high school graduates California Dream Act Application* and GPA Verification Form

Cal Grant C

 Application period is October 1 -March 2, annually for the following the Fall term (number of awards are limited) IVC Financial Aid Office or California Student Aid Commission Grant award covering education-related expenses for eligible students in occupational or career technical programs California Dream Act Application*,
Cal Grant C
Supplemental Application GPA Verification Form
Chafee Grant Apply as soon as possible each year (applications open in January; number of awards are limited) IVC Financial Aid Office or the California Student Aid Commission Grant award covering education-related expenses for eligible foster youth California Dream Act Application* and
Chafee Grant Application

* To apply for any or all of the financial aid programs requiring the California Dream Application, you only need to complete and submit ONE application.

Where do I start?

Follow the steps below to get started on the road to fulfilling your college dreams!

  1. Complete the IVC admissions process  (CCCApply).
  2. Apply for financial aid California Dream Act Application
  3. Meet with a college counselor to discuss your educational objectives and develop a plan to help you achieve your goals.