What is AB-540?

 The California Dream Act Application Process

Complete the 2023-24, 2024-25 Dream Act Application between Oct. 1, to March 2, if you will be graduating from high school in June 2024 for college admission in Fall 2024, or if you will be transferring to a CSU or UC for the Fall 2024 semester.

The California Student Aid Commission’s Dream Act Application is used to determine the financial eligibility of students who meet the qualifications of AB 540, and who are without a valid immigration status. The application collects basic personal and income information to determine student eligibility for funding under AB 131.

Students who received a Social Security Number through the Deferred Action of Childhood Arrival (DACA) should complete the CA Dream Act Application in order to be considered for state financial aid at Oxnard College.

  1. Apply between Oct. 1, and March 2, for consideration for the 2024-2025 Cal Grant Award.
  2. Students MUST submit a GPA Verification to the CA Student Aid Commission before March 2, 2024. Most schools submit this for you electronically, but it is the student's responsibility to be sure the GPA Verification has been submitted. 
  3. Once you have applied, the Oxnard College Financial Aid Office will receive your application information and will notify you by e-mail regarding the status of your application. Your account on the MyVCCCD portal will specify what other information or documents you must submit so that we may determine your eligibility. View potential Cal Grant or BOGW awards on the my.vcccd.edu portal. 
  4. Students should log in to the WebGrants for Students portal to view important Cal Grant information. 
  5. Students must complete an AB540 Affidavit with Admissions and Records and have their AB 540 status confirmed. Visit their website for more information and to download the affidavit.
  6. Complete orientation and provide the college with a sealed high school transcript for math and English placement and attend orientation.
  7. Plan your class schedule and register.
  8. Apply for Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS). (recommended)

To better prepare you for completing the CA Dream Application, we recommend downloading the Dream Application Worksheet from The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) Resources Website.

Students will need to complete the Dream Application every year to determine eligibility for state and institutional aid.

Financial Aid Awards Available to AB540 Students:

  • California College Promise Grant (formerly known as the Board of Governor's Fee Waiver (BOGW)): The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) permits enrollment fees to be waived at a community college.
  • Cal Grants:
    • Cal Grant A assists with tuition and fees at public and independent colleges. If you attend a California Community College first, your award will be reserved for up to three years until you transfer to a four-year college.
    • Cal Grant B provides a living allowance and tu­ition assistance for low-income students. The award provides up to $1,672 for books and liv­ing expenses.
    • Cal Grant C assists with tuition and training costs for occupational, technical, and vocation­al programs. The award includes up to $547 for books, tools, and equipment.
  • California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth: If you are or were in foster care and have financial need, you may qualify for up to $5,000 a year for college or technical training. Chafee Grant information (click here)
  • Extended Opportunity Programs and Ser­vices (EOPS): Provides services to low-income and educationally disadvantaged students.
  • Scholarships: AB 540 students can apply for private scholarship aid administered by public and private colleges and universities. Check with your campus for program details and ap­plication information.

 

 

TYPES OF CA STATE FINANCIAL AID

TYPES OF AID FOR UNDERGRADUATES & GRADUATES ELIGIBLE FOR AB 540/SB 68 INELIGIBLE FOR AB 540/SB 68
In-State Tuition YES NO, except qualified DACA students
Federal Aid NO NO
State Financial Aid YES NO
UC University Grant Undergraduate only YES NO
CSU State University Grant YES NO
California College Promise Grant Undergraduate only YES NO
EOP Services Undergraduate only YES NO
EOP & S Services Undergraduate only YES NO
California State Aid Undergraduate only; Cal Grants; Chaffee, Middle Class Scholarship YES NO

State Loans

CA Dream Loan

YES NO
Private Loans NO, NO
Work Study NO, check individual schools NO, check individual schools
Private Scholarships Check individual requirements YES YES
Institutional Aid Scholarships from private donors held at your college or university YES NO, check individual schools

Selective Service & CA DREAM ACT

FAFSA vs CA DREAM ACT: Apply to the correct Financial Aid in CA

VERIFYING YOUR INCOME FOR THE CA DREAM ACT APPLICATION

MIXED STATUS HOUSEHOLDS