How to Apply for the DREAM Act
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Become an SMC student. Apply today!
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Submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). You can see what financial aid is available for DREAM Act students (AB 540 eligible).
- Meet with a college counselor to develop an education plan to help you achieve your goals.
About the California DREAM Act
The California Dream Act of 2011 is the result of two bills, Assembly Bill 130 (AB 130) and Assembly Bill 131 (AB 131). Together, these bills allow undocumented and documented students who meet certain provisions of AB 540 law (see below) to apply for and receive private scholarships funneled through public universities (AB 130), state administered financial aid, university grants, and community college fee waivers (AB 131).
To receive Dream Act aid, AB 540 and AB 131 students must:
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Have attended a California high school for a minimum of three years
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Graduate from a California high school or pass the California Proficiency Program (CPP), formerly known as the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE), or get a General Equivalency Diploma (GED, also called General Educational Development test)
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Enroll in an accredited California institution of higher education
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In the case of students without legal immigration status, fill out an affidavit stating that they have filed or will file an application to legalize their immigration status as soon as they are eligible to do so