Applying for the CA DREAM Act Dream Financial Aid for College - Knowing the Basics 2 nd Annual AB540 Undocumented Student Info Session By: CSU Dominguez Hills, Financial Aid Office
Basic Overview STEP 1 Apply online STEP 3 Receive your Financial Aid Award Notification STEP 2 Receive application summary (SAR) CSUDH Financial Aid Office Applying for the CA DREAM Act 2
STEP 1 Complete the 2018-2019 California DREAM Application caldreamact.org Priority Consideration Filing Period: OCT 1, 2017 - MARCH 2, 2018 Have the following documents ready when completing the app 2016 W-2s 2016 Federal Tax Returns Parent information (if dependent) CSUDH Financial Aid Office Applying for the CA DREAM Act 3
STEP 1 (continued) The California Dream Act Application is for: Undocumented students who meet AB540/AB2000/SB68 criteria: Attend a high school (public or private) in California for three or more years. AB 2000 allows students that graduate early to use time in elementary or middle school to effectively complete the full 3 years SB 68 further expands the school attendance requirement to allow use of full-time credit from additional California institutions such as California Community Colleges and certain California adult schools Graduate from a California high school or attain the equivalent prior to the start of the term: Example: Passed the GED or California High School Proficiency exam CSUDH Financial Aid Office Applying for the CA DREAM Act 4
STEP 1 (continued) Students must file an AB540 Affidavit (California Non-Resident Tuition Exemption Request form) which indicates that the student has filed an application to legalize their immigration status or will file an application as soon as they are able to do so. The affidavit must be submitted to the Admissions & Records Office. The California Dream Act Application is also for: U visa holders, and AB 540 eligible students who hold a social security card obtained through Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Note: DACA status is NOT required to complete CA Dream Act Application. CSUDH Financial Aid Office Applying for the CA DREAM Act 5
STEP 1 (continued) Submit one Cal DREAM application per academic year! Therefore, re-apply for each new academic year! October 1 st March 2 nd is the priority application period. Cal DREAM applicants and parents may electronically sign using their PIN (personal identification number) that each person creates. Reminder: Please be sure to review the application information carefully for accuracy and completeness. CSUDH Financial Aid Office Applying for the CA DREAM Act 6
Top 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid 1. Listing the incorrect social security number, name or date of birth (Parents and students with no SSN or ITIN should enter zeroes) 2. Incorrectly reporting income information Students report the parent s income as the student s income Reporting income as income tax paid 3. Reporting the incorrect marital status 4. Leaving questions blank 5. Missing parent or student signature (PIN) CSUDH Financial Aid Office Applying for the CA DREAM Act 7
Notifications STEP 2 and STEP 3 CSUDH Financial Aid Office Applying for the CA DREAM Act 8
STEP 2: Notifications Receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) The SAR is a summary of the Cal DREAM info via email. Students and parents should review the SAR for completeness and accuracy. The Financial Aid Office will send the student an acknowledgement email or letter to advise that the Cal DREAM application was received. CSUDH Financial Aid Office Applying for the CA DREAM Act 9
STEP 2: Notifications (cont.) The Cal Grant GPA Verification form must be submitted by March 2, 2018 to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) for Cal Grant consideration. Students should check with their High School or previous College to ensure their GPA information is submitted on their behalf by March 2, 2018. Next, CSAC determines eligibility upon review of: GPA (and) Cal DREAM application If eligible for a Cal Grant A or B, the student is sent a California Aid Report (CAR). Important: Please follow the instructions on the CAR! CSUDH Financial Aid Office Applying for the CA DREAM Act 10
STEP 2: Notifications (cont.) Cal DREAM record may be selected for a process called verification Selections are random & common Check ToroMail and Student Portal for the list of required documents Documents such as a copy of parent s 2016 Federal Tax Return Transcript from the IRS w/ a completed Verification form may be requested All males, ages 18-25, must register with Selective Service! Therefore, if documents are required by the Financial Aid Office, please submit the requested items as soon as possible or by the required deadline. CSUDH Financial Aid Office Applying for the CA DREAM Act 11
STEP 3: Financial Aid Award Notification Email or Mail Students are usually sent email or paper notifications Students may also be mailed an Award Letter Guide which contains important information about the different types of aid and explains your student rights and responsibilities as a financial aid recipient. Accept / Decline process Student may also be instructed to accept or decline financial aid awards online via the student portal. The CSUDH Financial Aid Office will place grants or scholarships on accept status. CSUDH Financial Aid Office Applying for the CA DREAM Act 12
Types of Financial Aid CSUDH Financial Aid Office Applying for the CA DREAM Act 13
State and private funds are available for your educational expenses. Information from the Cal DREAM, or scholarship application is used to determine your aid eligibility. Scholarships Visit the Financial Aid Office website for campus based scholarships. State Grants California Dream Loan CSUDH Financial Aid Office Applying for the CA DREAM Act 14
State Grants Cal DREAM applicants may be considered for state grants State University Grant Educational Opportunity Grant (EOP) Cal Grant A and B* Chafee Grant (for foster youth)* Middle Class Scholarship (MCS)* *More information is available online at www.csac.ca.gov CSUDH Financial Aid Office Applying for the CA DREAM Act 15
Cal Grants A and B CAL GRANT A & B Cal Grants are awarded by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) Awards are based on GPA and financial need Tuition fee amounts are the same for Cal Grant A and B Cal Grant A minimum 3.0 GPA Cal Grant B minimum 2.0 GPA Must be enrolled at least half-time CAL GRANT B Offers a tuition amount plus a grant for books or living expenses (Cal Grant B Stipend) Freshmen awards are limited to stipend for books, supplies, and living expenses. When renewed as sophomore, junior, and senior years, the grant offers the tuition amount plus (+) the stipend More information is available online at www.csac.ca.gov CSUDH Financial Aid Office Applying for the CA DREAM Act 16
State University Grant 1. In general, if a student does not receive a Cal Grant, they may qualify for a State University Grant. 2. Students must have submitted their Cal Dream app by March 2 nd. 3. Have AB540 status. 4. Have financial need. 5. Admitted and enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. Some credential and graduate programs may also be eligible. 6. Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress 7. Be enrolled at least half-time For 2017-2018 (current year): Awards up to $5,742 to assist with Tuition Fee CSUDH Financial Aid Office Applying for the CA DREAM Act 17
California Dream Loan Dream Loan: Borrowed money that must be repaid For Undergraduate students Subsidized with a 6 month grace-period 4.45% interest rate for 2017-18 aid year $4,000 annual maximum ($20,000 total aggregate maximum) Repay within 10 years with a minimum of $50 per month! CSUDH Financial Aid Office Applying for the CA DREAM Act 18
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) It will be important for students to perform well academically in order to maintain eligibility for financial aid funds. Visit the Financial Aid Office website to become familiar with the SAP Policy. The minimum cumulative CSUDH GPA requirement is 1.50 for freshmen, 1.8 for sophomores, and 2.0 for juniors/seniors The minimum unit completion requirement is 75% each semester: Example: You are enrolled in 4 classes x 3 units each = 12 units (full-time) 12 x 75% = 9 units (therefore you must pass 3 of your 4 classes) CSUDH Financial Aid Office Applying for the CA DREAM Act 19
Questions? CSUDH Financial Aid Office Applying for the CA DREAM Act 20