California Community Colleges Chancellor Urges Students to Complete the California Dream Act Application Before the March 2 Cal Grant Deadline

February 15, 2018

Paige Marlatt Dorr

Office: 916.327.5356

Cell: 916.601.8005

Office E-mail: pdorr@cccco.edu

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley is urging eligible students to complete the California Dream Act application by the March 2 Cal Grant deadline in order to get the most financial aid possible. This year’s applications are down 20,000 from last year amidst ongoing uncertainty around immigration reform at the federal level.

“It’s apparent that the national conversation on immigration and deportation continues to create an environment of fear and confusion for many of our students,” said Chancellor Oakley. “Under the California Dream Act, students can apply for state aid regardless of their immigration status, and no student’s personal information is shared at the federal level. The California Student Aid Commission has promised to protect all California Dream Act information to the fullest extent of the law. I encourage all students, including DACA recipients, to apply today for the Cal Grant, as well as other forms of financial aid that are available year-round.”

The California Dream Act allows eligible undocumented students to apply for the same state-based financial aid opportunities available to others.

“The California Community Colleges has always embraced the values of diversity and inclusion. It is what makes our system, and the state of California, strong and prosperous,” said Chancellor Oakley. “The 114-campus system is committed to doing everything in our power to defend Dreamers. The doors remain open to all eligible students and we encourage them to apply for state-based financial aid.”

Dreamers can get information on the California Dream Act, student criteria and available aid by visiting ICanAffordCollege.com.

The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, composed of 72 districts and 114 colleges serving 2.1 million students per year. California community colleges provide career education and workforce training; guaranteed transfer to four-year universities; degree and certificate pathways; and basic skills education in English and math. As the state’s engine for social and economic mobility, the California Community Colleges supports the Vision for Success, a strategic plan designed to improve student success outcomes, increase transfer rates and eliminate achievement gaps. For more information, please visit the California Community Colleges website or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.