The Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG), is a financial aid program designed to support undocumented students, also known as Dreamers, in achieving their educational goals at our college. This program encourages California Dream Act Application (CADAA) students who have received a Cal Grant A award (and meet Cal Grant B eligibility) or a Cal Grant B award to engage in community service or volunteer work. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) awards up to $4,500 per academic year (up to $2,250 per semester) to eligible students. The grant is available for up to 8 semesters while the student holds an active Cal Grant A or B award.

Eligibility

To qualify for the Dream Act Service Incentive Grant, students must meet the following criteria:

• Must be an undocumented student meeting the requirements of AB 540 or AB 2000.
• Have completed a California Dream Act Application.
• Be enrolled in at least 6 units.
• Be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
• Be an active recipient of a Cal Grant A or Cal Grant B award. Cal Grant A recipients must meet the eligibility requirements to receive a Cal Grant B award.
• Complete any necessary verification requests for their Cal Grant A or B award.

Service Requirement

Eligible students will be required to complete 300 service hours (150 hours per semester) at a qualifying organization during the July 1st – June 30th time period of the academic/aid year. For each 150 hours they successfully complete, the student can request a payment from CSAC.

• Service must be related to the student’s field of study or community need and cannot involve any political, social, or religious advocacy.

Application Process

1. Complete the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
2. Submit the Dream Act Service Incentive Grant application. The application form is available on the California Student Aid Commission website. The application period for the new academic year opens on July 1st. Applications will be accepted through the end of the academic year (June 30th) or until all annual awards are exhausted.
3. Students will be notified via email from CSAC when they are registered into the program.
4. Students can begin performing service hours after being registered into the program. 
5. Student can request payment after performing at least 150 semester service hours until the total 300 hours are completed.

List of Service Organizations

Students can volunteer with any of the organizations on the List of Service Organizations or any organization not on the list if it meets the criteria for a qualifying community or volunteer organization.