Undocumented Student Support
APPLY FOR CALIFORNIA DREAM ACT FINANCIAL AID
The California Dream Act Application allows students interested in attending eligible California Colleges, Universities and Career Education Programs to apply for state financial aid. This application is unrelated to the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Here is a quick way to get you to the website where you can apply for the CA Dream Act!
2022-23
2022-23 English Paper Application
2022-23 Spanish Paper Application
2022-23 Dream Application Worksheet
What is the CA Dream Act?
The California Dream Act 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.
What is AB 540?
Assembly Bill 540 (AB540) was signed into law in October 2001 and provides an exemption from the payment of non-resident tuition for certain non-resident students who meet the eligibility requirements. If you are granted an AB540 exemption, you will be charged in-state tuition and fees. Check with the Admissions Office after you have been admitted to see if you need to complete the AB540 Exemption Request.
What is a Cal Grant?
A Cal Grant is money for college from the State of California that you don’t have to pay back. Cal Grants can be used at any University of California, California State University, or California Community College. They can also be used at qualifying independent and career colleges or technical schools in California. There are three kinds of Cal Grants: A, B, and C. Even though there are three different types of grants, you only need to apply once. Your eligibility for all Cal Grants will be determined once you complete all application requirements. Click here to sign up for Cal Grant
To apply, you must complete the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by March 2nd for the upcoming application year. You will also be requested
to submit a verified Cal Grant GPA by this date. You must meet the minimum GPA requirements,
as well as eligibility and financial requirements along with satisfactory academic progress.
Click here for a step by step video on completing the California Dream Act application.
Scholarship Opportunities
The Dream.US Scholarship
This scholarship is a renewable award per academic year for registered DACA or DACA-eligible students. Selected recipients must be fully admissible to Grand Canyon University. GCU has agreed to cover all/any remaining tuition and fees, constituting a full-tuition scholarship.* To apply, visit TheDream.US. This scholarship is only available for traditional, undergraduate on-campus students.
*Student is responsible for parking fees and all room and board fees, if applicable.
On Campus Resources
Monarch Dream Center/Centros Monarca
Committed to provide a welcoming and safe place where undocumented students and their
families can gather and feel safe, valued and supported. 
Email: monarch@cuesta.edu
San Luis Obispo Campus, Building 3300, Room 3315A, 805-546-3100 x2182
North County Campus, Building N1100, Room N1123, 805-591-6200 x4452
Cuesta Promise Application Steps Video
English
Español
We are here to provide the best support offering free, confidential, educational, mental and physical health care services for every enrolled Cuesta College student. Our dedicated staff of professionals include: nurse practitioner, registered nurses, licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), associate marriage and family therapist (AMFT), health/wellness promoter and caring support staff.
The North County Campus has medical and mental health facilities as well, however, students are encouraged to access the San Luis Obispo Health Center for any services not available on-site at NCC.
*We have bilingual staff (spanish/english)
CONTACT US: studenthealthcenter@cuesta.edu
Additional on Campus Resources
AB540 and undocumented students enrolled at Cuesta College, have the right to access the same general services as other students.
Services include:
Tutoring Services
Disability Support Programs and Services
Counseling
Admissions and Enrollment
Financial Aid [check back periodically for updates regarding the Cal Grant Dream Application]
Health Services
Click here for more information.
Legal Services
UFW Foundation provides free legal services to low-income immigrants on a wide range
of immigration issues.
Click here to make an appointment today!
Services include:
Immigration eligibility consultations
DACA Renewal
Naturalization
Family-based immigration
Other immigration services
Cuesta College and UFW Foundation are partnering to provide free immigration legal services to ALL students, faculty, and staff. Appointments available every 1st Wednesday and 3rd Tuesday of the Month.