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Dreamers Financial Aid

Campus Based Scholarships

If you are an AB 540 or DACA student, you may search the CSUSB Scholarships and apply for campus-based scholarships if you meet the eligibility requirements, including those scholarships that require demonstration of financial need.

Off Campus Scholarships links

State Aid

California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant

 

CALIFORNIA DREAM ACT SERVICE INCENTIVE GRANT (CDASIG)

The California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program (DSIG) encourages California Dream Act Application (CADAA) students with a Cal Grant B award to perform community or volunteer service.  The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) will award up to $3,000 per academic year (up to $1,500 per semester) to 2,500 eligible students. The grant will be available to the student for up to 8 semesters while they have an active Cal Grant B award.  Students will need to apply annually to participate in the California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program (DSIG). 

WHAT ARE THE GRANT REQUIREMENTS?

  • Must have a completed and submitted California Dream Act Application (CADAA) for that academic year.
  • Must be an active recipient of a Cal Grant B Award for that academic year.
  • Must have enough financial need.
  • Complete community or volunteer service hours in that academic year. Students shall perform at least 150 hours per semester.
  • Must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress.

QUALIFYING COMMUNITY OR VOLUNTEER SERVICE ORGANIZATION

  • A nonprofit as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. 
  • Any federal, state, or local government entity. 
  • Any school on the Cal Grant Eligible Schools list on the CSAC website.
  • Shall be established for a minimum of two years before the first date on which a participating student begins performing service hours.
  • Service performed must be related to your field of study or serves to further community service or a community need.
  • Qualifying Service Organizations shall register with CSAC.

HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY?

Step1: Apply for the California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program

Students will need to complete and submit the 2024-25 Grant Application found on the California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program website.

 

Step 2: Request payment from the California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program

Students can request payment after performing at least 150 hours per semester community or volunteer service. Student can complete the Payment Request form to request payment.

 

For more information:

Visit the Overview for Students Webpage for information, Frequently Asked Questions, and additional program details:

www.csac.ca.gov/dsig.

 

California Student Aid Commission Student Support
(888) 224-7268
studentsupport@csac.ca.gov  

 

California Dream Loan

The California Dream Loan is borrowed money that must repaid with interest. The interest rate for the California Dream Loan corresponds with the interest rate on a Federal Direct Subsidized loan and is subject to change annually. The California Dream Loan does not accrue interest while a student is enrolled at least half-time, during periods of approved deferment, and during the 6-month grace period before he/she enters repayment. The student is responsible for the interest charged at all other times.

CA Dream Loan borrowers have a standard repayment and income-based repayment plan available. For more information visit heartland.ecsi.net. Under Download Forms, search for California State University (Dream Loans).

Loan Requirements

To accept a California Dream Loan, a student must log in to My Coyote portal and accept the loan offer within 30 days of the award in order to receive funding. A student may decline the loan offer or accept less than what is offered but funds are limited and may not be increased at a later time.

Students who accept the California Dream loan must complete a promissory note and entrance counseling. Failure to complete all the required steps to receive loan funds by the assigned deadline may result in cancellation of the loan offer. Funds are limited and may not be re-awarded again at a later date.

To complete the California Dream Loan Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling please visit ECSI.

Receipt of funds in one year does not guarantee availability or receipt of funds in subsequent years.

Qualifications

Please note: All financial aid recipients, including California Dream Loan borrowers, must meet basic eligibility criteria.

  • Submit a DREAM Act Application by the March 2 priority deadline through the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
  • Undergraduate/Graduate
  • Be enrolled in at least 6 units
  • Not in default on a student loan
  • Have a valid AB540 Affidavit on file (T and U Visa eligible) with CSUSB

T-Visa holders should file a FAFSA and may also be considered for CA Dream Loan eligibility.