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DREAMers

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.
CALIFORNIA DREAM ACT

CALIFORNIA DREAM ACT

The California Dream Act is an application that allows qualified students the ability to apply for in-state financial aid, be eligible for school-funded scholarships, and/or the California College Promise Grant within the community colleges, private schools, and public universities in California.  A student must meet the eligibility requirements to qualify for the California Dream Act:
 
  • Click here to view the eligibility requirements.
  • Click here to apply for the California Dream Act.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The state of California, as well as other states, do offer 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.  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 NONRESIDENT TUITION EXEMPTION

CALIFORNIA NONRESIDENT TUITION EXEMPTION

The California Nonresident Tuition Exemption allows certain students to pay resident fees vs. nonresident fees.  This exemption also allows them to apply and receive State financial aid from certain CA public and private colleges/universities.  Click here to view the eligibility requirements.  
 
If you qualify, you must apply for the tuition exemption by submitting an affidavit with the college you intend to attend.  Click on the links below to learn more about the application process and affidavits. 
 
UNDOCU FRIENDLY UNIVERSITIES/COLLEGES

UNDOCU FRIENDLY UNIVERSITIES/COLLEGES

As students begin to research universities/colleges they may decide to apply to, students will want to verify what type of services or support they have on campus for undocumented students, in hopes to provide a safe and comfortable learning environment for students, no matter what their citizenship status may be.  The two public university systems in California, California State University (CSU) and the University of California (UC), will likely have a liaison or a resource center dedicated to undocumented students.  Students wishing to attend a private or out-of-state university will need to research and verify if the university/college offers financial assistance and if they offer additional support/services to undocumented students.  In the quick links section, you will find a list of possible universities that may be "undocu" friendly.  Again, it is the student's responsibility to verify with the schools to determine eligibility.