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What is the California Dream Act?

The Dream Act is really two laws that were passed in 2011 and allow AB 540 students to apply for and receive several types of financial aid, including:

• California College Promise Grant (CCPG)
• State financial aid like Cal Grants and Chafee Grants
• Assistance from EOPS or CARE
• Privately-funded scholarships

You can apply through the

Check with the IVC Financial Aid Office, IVS Foundation Office, and/or EOPS/CARE Office to see what aid you may qualify for.

Watch our for more information. 

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What is an AB 540 student?

You are considered an AB 540 student if you meet all of these:

• Attended a California high school for at least three years (or the credit equivalent)
• Graduated from a California high school or passed the GED or High School Proficiency Exam
• Are enrolled at a California community college; AND
• If required, sign a statement saying you have filed or will file for legal immigration status when eligible

Visit the Office website for more help and resources. 

Financial Aid Options for Undocumented (AB 540) Students

You can find more details about each grant program on our Financial Aid Programs page, unless otherwise noted in the below chart. 

Grant/Scholarship	Application Timeline	Where to Apply      Who to Contact?	What is this?	What Form Do I Need?
Privately Funded  Institutional Scholarships	Every Spring	IVC Foundation	Free money to help pay for college	IVC scholarship application
California College Promise Grant (CCPG)	Anytime	IVC Financial Aid Office	Waives community college enrollment fees for eligible students	or *
EOPS, CARE, and CalWORKs	Anytime	IVC EOPS or Cal WORKs Office	Helps with things like books and supplies	Apply directly with each Office
Cal Grant A, and B	October 1 -March 2	IVC Financial Aid Office or California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)	Helps pay for tuition and school expenses for new students or students transferring to a university	* and
Cal Grant C	October 1 -March 2	IVC Financial Aid Office or California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)	Helps pay for career or job training programs	*,Cal Grant C Supplemental Application
Chafee Grant for Foster Youth	January (Funds are limited – apply early)	IVC Financial Aid Office or the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)	Grant for students who are or were in foster care	* and
Cal Grant Community College Entitlement Award	Vy September 2.	IVC Financial Aid Office or the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)	For students eligible for Cal Grant who missed the March 2nd deadline	*, and
California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program	Available July 1 every year	IVC Financial Aid Office or California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)	Grant for Dream Act students with a Cal Grant B who do community or volunteer service	and

Note: To apply for any or all of the financial aid programs requiring the California Dream Application, you only need to fill out and submit one application.

Next Steps: How to Get Started

1. Complete the IVC admissions process using
2. Submit the
3. Meet with an IVC college counselor to plan your program and educational goals

Visit the Financial Aid Programs page to learn more about eligibility and requirements for each grant and scholarship opportunity.