Student Support

DREAM Program

Counseling and support services for undocumented and mixed-status students.

​​​​SMC DREAM Program logo​​

About the DREAM Program

The Santa Monica College DREAM Program provides support services to undocumented students.

  • Increase personal growth, development, and retention of DREAM students through academic, career, and personal counseling

  • Assist in applying for the California Dream Act/Financial Aid and scholarships

  • Provide workshops relative to undocumented students and their families.

The DREAM Program was developed through commitment and collaboration from the following Santa Monica College departments:

  • Student Equity

  • Financial Aid & Scholarships

  • EOPS/CARE

  • The Vice President of Student Affairs Office

  • SMC Foundation

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Program Eligibility 

  • Must identify as undocumented
  • Be enrolled in at least one (1) class each Fall and Spring Semester
  • Complete the interest form
  • Complete a welcome meeting with Dream Program staff (staff will contact you)
  • Complete the Dream Program Application (provided after you connect with staff)

To Maintain Eligibility

  • Enroll in at least (1) class each Fall and Spring semester
  • Attend at least (1) Counseling appointment
  • Complete the California Dream Act (CADAA) each year (if applicable)
  • Attend (1) workshop or Dream Program event (field trip or workshop) during the Fall & Spring semester

Book Your Appointment

Current Dream Program participants can request a phone or video appointment by:

Email: DREAM@smc.edu.

Voice Message: 310-434-4892

First time contacting the Dream Program?

Complete the Interest Form!

Office Hours | Spring 2023 

Monday - Friday | 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Wellness Counseling

Current Dream students may email Dream@smc.edu or contact a Dream staff member directly for a mental wellness referral. 

 Center for Wellness and Wellbeing website.

Immigrants Rising Mental Health Support

Immigration Legal Services Project

Do you have questions regarding services provided by CARECEN? Would you like assistance making an appointment? Please feel free to email us at:

dream@smc.edu 

Schedule your DACA renewal appointment with CARECEN using their online system: CARECEN-LA College Legal Services

  1. Click the "Book Now" button.
  2. Select the Santa Monica College tab.
  3. Select first-time appointment (for DACA renewals, etc.).

For now, Mondays are available for SMC students through their online system. Appointments may be conducted via videochat during the current social-distancing mandate.

Legal services through this agency are FREE for SMC students, staff, and faculty and includes DACA renewals, general consultation, and more!

Visit the Immigration Legal Services Project page to view recordings and sign up for presentations.

Financial Aid Resources and Scholarships

Check here for scholarships that are available to undocumented students.

SMC Foundation Stands with Undocumented Students

Santa Monica College Foundation has established a scholarship fund to provide immediate assistance to SMC's students who are undocumented and are faced with an unforeseen cost to attend college, such as the advanced financial burden to re-apply for DACA. The application fee is $495 per student. With the Trump Administration's announcement to end DACA, the reapplication process was fast-tracked, placing an unreasonable financial burden on our students.

Please consider a gift to this timely and most important initiative. 100% of the proceeds will directly benefit SMC Undocumented Students.

Donate to Support our Undocumented Students