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Office of Financial Aid

Dream Act Service Incentive Grant

How to ApplyForms and Resources

The California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) encourages community service while helping you fund your education. Qualifying California Dream Act Applicants (CADAA) can earn up to $4,500 per academic year by performing community or volunteer service.

What You Earn

  • Up to $2,250 per semester after completing 150 service hours
  • Funding for up to 8 semesters or 12 quarters, as long as they maintain an active Cal Grant and meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant, a student must meet the following criteria:

Submit your California Dream Act Application (CADAA) for the current academic year.
Be AB 540 eligible.
Be enrolled in at least 6 units (half-time).
Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
Be an active recipient of a Cal Grant A or Cal Grant B award.
Cal Grant A recipients must meet the eligibility requirements to receive a Cal Grant B award 
Complete any necessary verification requests for your financial aid file.

Where You Can Volunteer

Your service must address a community need or relate to your field of study. It cannot involve political, social, or religious advocacy. You can perform your hours at:

  • Any organization on the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) List of Service Organizations.
  • Any non-profit organization, government agency, school, or qualifying community organization.
  • An organization not currently listed, provided they submit a Service Organization Registration Form to CSAC.

Volunteer Right Here on Campus!

Hartnell College is an approved Volunteer Service Organization. You can complete your DSIG service hours right here on campus with any program or department that agrees to host you as a volunteer.

How to Apply

1
Submit Your CADAA
Ensure your California Dream Act Application is complete for the year.
2
Submit the Dream Act Service Incentive Grant application.
  • The application period opens on July 1st and applications are accepted through June 30th (or until annual state funding is exhausted).
  • You can submit the application to CSAC, or the Financial Aid Office can submit it on your behalf.
3
Wait for Approval
CSAC will review your eligibility and send you a confirmation email once you are officially registered in the program.
4
Start Your Hours
You may only begin tracking and completing your volunteer hours after you receive your official registration email from CSAC.
5
Students can request payment after performing at least 150 semester service hours until the total 300 hours are completed.

Service & Payment Breakdown

1
Complete 150 Hours: First Half.
Complete your first 150 hours of volunteer service between July 1st and June 30th of the academic year.
2
Request First Payment: Earn $2,250.
Submit a Payment Request Form to CSAC to claim your first semester payout of $2,250.
Note: Student must have already received their first Cal Grant B payment for the academic year
3
Complete Remaining 150 Hours: Second Half.
Complete your final 150 hours of volunteer service at your approved site (bringing your total to 300 hours).
4
Request Final Payment: Earn $2,250.
Submit your final Payment Request Form to claim the remaining $2,250 of your grant.

Forms & Resources

Dream Service Incentive Grant Application Service Hours Tracker DSIG Supplemental Application Payment Request Form Supplemental Payment Request Form Service Organization Registration

Need Help or Placement Assistance?

For Eligibility & Form Submission

Contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@hartnell.edu or visit us in person to check your Cal Grant status or get help submitting your application.

 

For Finding a Volunteer Site

Reach out to MiCASA or the Career Hub on campus for dedicated placement assistance and to find open on-campus volunteer opportunities.