Legal Services Update:
CARECEN Appointment Booking
- The FYA website is experiencing technical issues with CARECEN’s appointment system. Although appointments appear open, students may receive a message at the end of the booking process saying the slot is no longer available. If this happens, please advise them to revisit the website and try again later. They are working on resolving this. Let me know if you encounter any other issues.
- If you can, keep the names/ID numbers of the students who are unable to book an appointment due to these technical issues and feel free to send them our DREAM Program way so we can follow up with them to see if they were able to book something later or try to provide assistance when the website is working properly again.
Winter Appointments
- CARECEN appointments for the new year will resume after the MLK holiday in January. We’ll continue with Mondays and Wednesdays as our SMC days, with each case worker alternating in-person and virtual availability every other Monday and Wednesday.
- Please note that no appointments are currently available through late January
Contact Us
Social Media: Instagram
Remote Hours
Monday: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
In-Person Hours
Monday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
About the Dream Program
The Santa Monica College DREAM Program is dedicated to supporting undocumented students by fostering personal growth, academic success, and retention through tailored services and resources. The program offers academic, career, and personal counseling, assistance with the California Dream Act, financial aid, and scholarships, as well as workshops designed to address the unique needs of undocumented students and their families.
Developed through collaboration with SMC departments such as Student Equity, Financial Aid & Scholarships, EOPS/CARE, the Vice President of Student Affairs Office, and the SMC Foundation, the program provides a network of support. By offering mentorship, legal and health resources, and guidance, the DREAM Program empowers students to navigate college life and beyond.
Program Services & Benefits
As a comprehensive student support program, DREAM is dedicated to supporting AB540 and undocumented students through advocacy, guidance, and tailored resources. To increase the access, retention, and goal completion of participants, the Dream Program provides the following services:
- Academic, Career, Personal and Transfer Counseling
- Priority Registration
- Wellness Counseling
- California Dream Act/Financial Aid Support
- Scholarships Assistance
- Field Trips & College Visits
- Workshops and Resources for undocumented students
- Referrals to SMC's FREE Immigration Legal Services
- And much more!
Program Eligibility Requirements
- Must identify as undocumented
- Be enrolled in at least one (1) class each Fall and Spring Semester
- Complete our Program Interest Form
- Completed a welcome meeting with Dream Program Staff (staff will contact you)
- Completed the Dream Program Application (provided after you connect with staff)
- Enroll in at least (1) class each Fall and Spring Semester
- Attend at least (1) Counseling Appointment
- Complete the California Dream Act (CASAA) each year (if applicable)
- Attend (1) workshop or Dream Program event (field trip or workshop) during the Fall and Spring Semester
Immigration Legal Services Project
Access free legal services and receive expert advice.
Legal services through CARECEN are FREE for SMC students, staff, and faculty and includes DACA renewals, general consultation, and more! Mondays available for SMC students through this online system.
Schedule your DACA renewal appointment with CARECEN using their online system: CARECEN-LA College Legal Services.
Wellness Counseling and Support
Mental Health Services via the DREAM Program.
The Dream Program offers mental wellness counseling for current Dream students. For more information and a referral to meet with our wellness counselor, please email us at dream@smc.edu or contact a Dream staff member directly.
Additional Wellness Counseling Resources
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Discover additional ways to make college more affordable.
Undocumented students and mixed status students are eligible! Check here for more info on qualifying, as well as how to apply to college.
SMC Foundation Stands with Undocumented Students
Santa Monica College Foundation has established a scholarship fund to provide immediate assistance to SMC's students who are undocumented and are faced with an unforeseen cost to attend college, such as the advanced financial burden to re-apply for DACA. The application fee is $495 per student. With the Trump Administration's announcement to end DACA, the reapplication process was fast-tracked, placing an unreasonable financial burden on our students.
Please consider a gift to this timely and most important initiative. 100% of the proceeds will directly benefit SMC Undocumented Students.