California Dream Act

What is the California Dream Act?

¿Qué es la Ley Dream de California?

The California Dream Act of 2011 was passed into laws AB 130 and AB 131. At College of San Mateo, these laws allow AB 540 eligible students to apply for and receive several types of financial aid, including:

California College Promise Grant
State financial aid like Cal Grants and Chafee Grants
Assistance from EOPS, CARE or CalWORKs
Privately-funded scholarships

If you need assistance filling out your CA Dream Application please visit us for one-on-one assistance at the Learning Center.

Spring & Summer 2019 Financial Aid Outreach Hours

More Information

California Dream Act FAQs
Visit CSAC CA Dream Act

Who is an AB540 Student?

Attended a California high school for at least three years;
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) or legal immigration status

Step 1: Determine if you are AB540 Eligible

Important: You must complete a California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request Form
Submit form to the Admissions & Records Office to determine if you are AB 540 eligible

Step 2: Submit Dream Act Applications
Once you have been determined AB540 eligible, please complete and submit either of the following applications:

CA Dream Act Application
California College Promise Grant Application via WebSMART

Note: If you have already submitted a CA Dream Act Application and have questions, please contact the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) at caldreamact@csac.ca.gov or (888)224-7268.

Available Types of Aid

Dream Act Financial Aid Programs

Questions?
Contact Olivia Cortez-Figueroa at cortezfigueroao@smccd.edu or (650) 574-6148. Special Application for 540 Students under the California Dream Act