Resources for Undocumented Students
What Is A DREAMer?
The term "DREAMer" is often used to describe undocumented students who wish to pursue higher education after graduating from high school. However, these students often face many challenges trying to pursue higher education, such as lack of information or they may have difficulty discussing their situation with others due to the fact that they will likely need to disclose their citizenship status. This page is intended to provide information and resources that may make their dream of pursuing post-secondary education a reachable long-term goal versus just a dream.
Financial Assistance
The state of CA offers financial assistance to undocumented students. In California, several assembly bills have passed to offer financial support, AB 540, AB 2000, AB 130, and AB 131. Click here for a comparison chart from the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) which compares the bills side by side . If you are eligible to apply for the California Dream Act, you will not fill out the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA). Students who plan to apply to out-of-state universities, must check with the university to verify the information needed to request financial assistance.
California Dream Act
The California Dream Act is an application which allows qualified students the ability to apply for in-state financial aid, be eligible for school funded scholarships, and the board of governors (BOG) fee waiver within the community colleges, private schools, and the public universities in CA. A student must meet the following requirements to qualify for the California Dream Act:attended a high school (public or private) in CA for three or more years, or
attain credits at a CA high school or a combination of elementary, junior and or high school equivalent to 3 or more years as a full time student and/or attended a combination of elementary, middle and/or high schools in CA for a total of three or more years 2 and
graduated or will graduate from a California high school or attainment of General Education Development (GED), High School Equivalency Test (HiSET), or Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC), and
Will register or enroll in an accredited and qualifying California college or university, and
If applicable, complete an affidavit to legalize immigration status as soon as eligible, and
Not hold any of the following non-immigrant visas (A, B, C, D, E, F, H, J, etc.)**
**If you have Temporary Protected Status or hold a U Visa select you may be eligible.
If you qualify to apply, click here to fill out the California Dream Act that opens Oct. 1st
Completing Affidavits for CCC, CSU and UC
Helpful Resources
AB540 Coalition of Santa Barbara
10 Things to Know About the CA Dream Act
Tips for Undocumented Students
CSU Resources for Undocumented Students
UC Resources for Undocumented Students