For the last decade, California undocumented students who dreamed of going to college could apply for financial aid through the California Dream Act. Are you one of them?
State laws AB 130 and AB 131 (the California Dream Act), along with AB 540, created an affordable path to college for you, regardless of your DACA status.
But the COVID-19 pandemic caused applications for Dream Act aid to drop sharply. According to the California Student Aid Commission, applications dropped 4 percent in 2020 and 16 percent in 2021. For high school seniors, applications are down about 45 percent. This is how the dream of going to college vanishes for undocumented California families.
We know you face hurdles at every turn: finances, school bureaucracy, physical health problems, and mental health issues. Now, the California Dream Network (CDN) and WiseUp! have teamed up to present online workshops throughout February to answer all your questions, help you apply for this state financial aid, and arm you with information on resources available in the different school systems.
Financial aid Presentations
WiseUp! invites you to attend a webinar explaining the CA Dream Act and AB 540 on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, February 9 at 2 p.m. for community college students looking to transfer
- Wednesday, February 16 at 3 p.m. for students in the CSU system
- Thursday, February 17 at 3 p.m. for students in private institutions
- Wednesday, February 23 at 3 p.m. for students in the UC system
Financial Aid for Undocumented Students
Are you thinking of applying for CA Dream Act financial aid? The California Dream Network (CDN) and WiseUp! can help!
CA Dream Act for Community Colleges
This workshop highlights resources for students attending community college. Speakers from Pasadena Community College, UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz provide resources for undocumented students on their campus and an overview on how to transfer to a 4-year university.
CA Dream Act for CSU Institutions
This workshop highlights resources for students attending the California State Universities. Speakers from CSU Fullerton and CSU San Bernardino discuss resources offered on campus and the surrounding areas. CHIRLA ‘s Legal Team and Policy Team highlighted and discussed CHIRLA’s Student Legal Services, how to request a consultation, the CA Dream Act Service Incentive Program, and the Dream Loan Program.
CA Dream Act for private universities
This workshop highlights resources for students attending private universities. Speakers from the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities to discuss resources available to all students in private colleges and universities in California and a speaker from Pomona College discuss resources on campus and surrounding areas.
HaveQuestions?
If you have questions or need help applying for financial aid, contact us through our immigrant assistance line at 1 (888) 624-4752.
You can also email your questions to CHIRLA organizers:
High school students:
Kathia Garcia: kgarcia@chirla.org
Micaela Aragon: maragon@chirla.org
College student and young workers:
Guadalupe Martinez: gmartinez@chirla.org
Gloria Vallin: gvallin@chirla.org
Eva Jimenez: ejimenez@chirla.org
Janeth Bucio: jbucio@chirla.org
Additional Resources
You can check with your institution's financial aid office or DREAM resource center to see if they have other financial aid opportunities for you. If you do not see your institution listed below, contact Guadalupe Martinez, gmartinez@chirla.org, for additional help.
CSU DREAM RESOURCE CENTERS
UC DREAM RESOURCE CENTERS
CHIRLA studentLegal Services
If you are a student and you need immigration legal services, CHIRLA can help. To schedule a consultation, visit our legal student services page or call us at 1 (888) 624-4752.
