Financial Aid Services

California Dream Act

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:

• Board of Governors Fee Waivers
• State financial aid like Cal Grants and Chafee Grants
• Assistance from EOPS, CARE or CalWORKs
• Privately-funded scholarships

More information:

• Dream Act for Community Colleges Flyer
• California Dream Act Information
• California Dream Act FAQs
• California Dream Act Myths

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) for 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 the following applications:

• CA Dream Act Application
• BOG Fee Waiver Special Application for 540 Students Under the California Dream Act

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) 574-6511.Special Application for 540 Students Under the California Dream Act