CALIFORNIA DREAM ACT
In 2011, California Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 130 and AB 131. Packaged as the California Dream Act, these bills allow students who are exempt from paying nonresident tuition under AB 540* to receive state and non-state resourced funds.
CA INSTITUTIONAL FINANCIAL AID: AB 130
AB 130 will allow students who are exempt from paying nonresident tuition under AB 540* to apply for and receive scholarships from private, non-state funds at all California public colleges and universities. These include scholarships funded through private donors, alumni contributions and individual departmental efforts. Students must apply and compete for available awards as determined by their respective college or university. This bill will go into effect January 1, 2012.
CA STATE FINANCIAL AID: AB 131
AB 131 will allow eligible students who are exempt from paying nonresident tuition through AB 540* to apply for Cal Grant awards and for grants and scholarships awarded by California public colleges and universities. This bill will go into effect January 1, 2013, although the California Student Aid Commission has announced that the first Cal Grants will be available for the 2013-2014 academic year.
Specifically, AB 131 will allow AB540 students* to:
- Apply for the Board of Governor's Fee Waivers at California community colleges. These BOG Fee Waivers waive the educational fees of qualifying low-income students.
- Apply for, and participate in, other student aid programs administered by California's public colleges and universities, such as institutional aid derived from tuition revenue.
- Participate in any state-administered financial aid programs such as Cal Grants. However, funds for the Competitive Cal Grants A and B will not be made available to AB540 students* unless funding remains available after California resident counterparts have received theirs.
More information on Cal Grants:
Given that undocumented students cannot apply for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) in order to determine their income level and need, the California Student Aid Commission will develop an alternate system for AB540 students* to apply for Cal Grants and other state funded assistance. Information on new processes will be disseminated as soon as it is available. Visit Cal Grants or the California Student Aid Commission to find out information on the different types of grants available.
*DEFINITION OF AB540 STUDENTS
In order to be eligible for AB540, students must have:
- Attended a California high school for 3 or more years
- Graduated from a California high school with a high school diploma or attained the equivalent (GED); and
- Filed an affidavit with their intended college or university stating their eligibility under AB540 and intention of applying for a lawful immigration status as soon as they are eligible.
HELPFUL LINKS FROM UC BERKELEY FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS OFFICE
Back to Student Resources
|
|
|