CA Dream Act, CADAA
The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) allows students who are AB 540 eligible to apply for certain financial aid programs in the state of California. AB 540 is a law that allows non-resident students who are living in California to pay resident fees at public colleges and universities in California. Eligible students may submit an online California Dream Act Application for consideration of state grants and the California College Promise Grant (CCPG).
Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG)
The California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) Program provides financial assistance to eligible California Dream Act Application (CADAA) students who complete community or volunteer service. This program supports students in gaining valuable, hands–on experience while earning additional financial aid.
Program Details
- Award Amount: Up to $4,500 per academic year ($2,250 per semester or $1,500 per quarter)
- Duration: Available for up to 8 semesters or 12 quarters while the student maintains an active Cal Grant A or B award
- Separate Application Required? Yes – Students must submit a DSIG application for each award year in addition to the CADAA
- Application Start & Deadline: DSIG applications are available starting July 1 and accepted until June 30 of the academic year, or until all 1,667 awards are exhausted, whichever comes first. The CADAA should be submitted by the priority deadline for state aid.
Eligibility & Requirements
To qualify for the DSIG Program, students must:
- Demonstrate sufficient financial need (determined by CSAC and verified by their institution)
- Complete a California Dream Act Application (CADAA) for the academic year
- Be an active recipient of a Cal Grant A or B award
- Cal Grant A recipients must meet Cal Grant B eligibility
- Complete 300 service hours at a qualifying organization (July 1 – June 30)
- 150 hours per semester or 100 hours per quarter
- Service must be related to the student’s field of study or a community need, and cannot involve political, social, or religious advocacy
How to Apply & Request Payment
Step 1: Submit your CADAA for the academic year
- Visit our How to Apply page for more information.
Step 2: Apply for DSIG
- 2026–27 DSIG Application: Available to eligible students in WebGrants4Students starting July 1, 2026.
- Visit the Apply for DSIG page for more information.
- CSAC will verify eligibility and communicate with the applicant to confirm the award, request additional information if necessary, or provide reasons for which the applicant is ineligible.
- Once accepted, students may begin volunteering and tracking their hours using the Service Hours Tracker.
Step 3: Request Payment
- Once students complete their required service hours, they may submit a payment request
form.
- The payment process for the 2026–27 academic year will be completed via WebGrants for Institutions.
Please contact Jorge Macias Jr. at 559-791-2250 or Jasmin Quinones at 559-791-2393 for more information.
DREAMer’s Success Center
What is the California Dream Act?
California Dream Act Application Tips
California Dream Act Eligibility
