Unlocking Financial Aid Opportunities: Maximizing State Financial Aid Programs

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of financial aid for undocumented students in California, highlighting recent updates and ongoing challenges. We will cover the latest changes to the CA Dream Act Application (CADAA), eligibility criteria, and financial aid policies, using data from the California Student Aid Commission’s "Renewing the Dream" report. Additionally, we will discuss the DREAM Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG), which supports undocumented students through community service, focusing on eligibility, application processes, and the role of cross-departmental collaboration. Attendees will learn best practices for improving financial aid access and maximizing the DSIG program’s impact, fostering a collaborative approach to support undocumented students' success.