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. Scholarships	Institutional application(s)
California College Promise Grant (CCPG)	Apply now for the 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 (the number of awards is 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; the number of awards is 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
Cal Grant Community College Entitlement Award	Applicants must submit a FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application, plus a verified Cal Grant GPA to the California Student Aid Commission by September 2.	IVC Financial Aid Office or the California Student Aid Commission	The grant is for students attending a California Community College starting with the 2021-22 Academic Year. Click here for more information	California Dream Act Application*, and GPA Verification Form
California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program	Eligible students must apply annually, attend a qualifying institution, have sufficient unmet need, and complete community or volunteer service hours in that academic year.	IVC Financial Aid Office or California Student Aid Commission	Grant is for California Dream Act Applicants, with an active Cal Grant B award, enrolled at a qualifying institution. Click here for more information	California Dream Act Application and 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.