DREAM Program

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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.

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SMC Financial Aid Resources

AB 540/ Dream Act Page

Immigrants Rising California Dream Act Application Resources

BELOW you’ll find links to our updated CA Dream Act resources & more, so you have them close at hand!!

• CA Dream Act and Cal Grant Application Checklists Use these checklists to ensure you successfully apply for the CA Dream Act and Cal Grants! Don’t miss any steps and apply By March 2 to ensure you are considered for maximum financial aid.
• CA Dream Act Map This detailed map outlines the four phases required to successfully complete the CA Dream Act Application and receive all financial aid for which you are eligible.
• Types of CA Financial Aid Learn about the different kinds of financial available to undergraduate and graduate undocumented students at the CCC, CSU, and UC.
• FAFSA vs. CA Dream Act: Apply to the Correct Financial Aid in CA Understand the differences between the CA financial aid and the federal financial aid applications to figure out which one best fits your situation.
• CSAC Video About New 22-23 Application This video provides an overview of the new California dream act application (CADAA), including the updated features and new look and feel.

ALSO, because CA Dream Act requires that students meet eligibility for AB 540 I'm including:

• SB 68/AB 540 Attendance Worksheet Use this worksheet to determine your eligibility for in-state tuition in California by tracking the requirements and monitoring your progress, all in one central location.
• Submitting the AB 540 Affidavit FAQ regarding why, how, and when to submit the California Nonresident Tuition Exemption (AB 540/SB 68 Affidavit)

Immigrants Rising List of Undergrad Scholarships

Undergraduate Scholarships

Undergraduate Fellowships

Immigrants Rising - Applying for scholarships and fellowships page.

SMC Foundation Scholarships

The SMC Foundation scholarships application deadline ended on December 31. Check back next October for more scholarship opportunities!

Be ready for the next cycle, academic requirements are:

• Minimum overall GPA of 2.5
• Complete at least six SMC units by the SMC scholarship deadline.
• Enroll in at least six SMC units for Fall semester and at least six SMC units for Spring semester.

To learn more about how to apply for scholarships please visit: How to Apply for Scholarships.

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