What is the California Dream Act?

The California Dream Act of 2011, authored by Assembly Member Gil Cedillo ( Los Angeles), became law through the passage of two Assembly Bill, AB 130  and AB 131. 

AB 130 allows students who meet AB 540 criteria (California Education Code 68130.5(a))  to apply for and receive non-state funded scholarships for public colleges and universities. 

AB 131 allows students who meet AB 540 criteria to apply for and receive state-funded financial aid such as institutional grants, community college fee waivers, Cal Grant and Chafee Grant.

How do I apply?

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 Ventura College.

  • Apply between October 1 and March 2 for consideration for the 2019-2020 Cal Grant Award.
  • Students MUST submit a GPA Verification to the CA Student Aid Commission before March 2. Most schools submit this for you electronically, but it is the student's responsibility to be sure the GPA Verification has been submitted. 
  • Once you have applied, the Ventura 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 MyVCCCD[WL1]  portal will specify what other information or documents you must submit so that we may determine your eligibility.
  • Students should log in to the WebGrants for Students [WL2] portal to view important Cal Grant information. 
  • Students must complete an AB 540 Affidavit [WL3] with Admissions and Records and have their AB 540 status confirmed. Visit the Admissions and Records website [WL4] for more information.

To better prepare you for completing the Dream Application, we recommend downloading the Dream Application Worksheet from The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) Resources for California Dream Act Application web page and also visiting the California Dream Act Application page.

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

Can I still apply after March 2nd?

Yes. The California Dream Act Application is open throughout the school year. You may not qualify for consideration for a Cal Grant if you apply after March 2nd, but you may still qualify for any of the other aid programs listed below.

What financial aid will I qualify for?

Financial aid eligibility is based on your financial need that is determined by the information provided on your California Dream Act Application and the Financial Aid Office.

You may qualify for:

  • California College Promise Grant (CCPG)

                Formerly known as the Board of Governors Fee Waiver

    • Waives $46 per unit for eligible students

  • Cal Grant

    • MAX award: $1,672 (Cal Grant B)

    • MAX award: $1,094 (Cal Grant C)

  • Chafee Grant (Foster Youth)

    • MAX Award: $5,000

  • EOPS Grant

    • EOPS eligible students

    • Separate application required

  • Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG)

    • 12-14.5 units = $649 per semester

    • 15+ units = $2,000 per semester

  • Ventura College Promise (VC Promise)

    • Pays for enrollment, student health fee, student center fee and student representative fee for eligible first-year, full-time students

    • Must complete the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application

    • Complete orientation, assessment, and abbreviated student education plan