Cerritos College’s Financial Aid Office is pleased to offer workshops on the California Dream Act.

In the workshop, participants will learn how to apply for state grants and scholarships.

The Financial Aid team is ready to assist applicants with the California Dream Act application process.

Computers will be available to complete and submit the application on site.

Illegal immigrants who graduated from high school located in California can receive financial aid from the state for college.

California already allows some illegal immigrants to pay less expensive in-state tuition at public colleges. The new AB 131 law, known as the California Dream Act, will allow applicants to apply for Cal Grants, fee waivers at community colleges, and institutional financial aid at public universities, starting in the year 2013.

“Undocumented students are not allowed to get the financial aid. A lot of undocumented students are going to go school. They want to learn so they have to pay for their own education even if they can’t work. They do want to get a job, pay taxes and have a little bit of the American dream. So they are allowed to get some types of financial aid. It’s not much, but it’s something,” said Veronica Castro, financial aid specialist.

She goes on to say, “It starts for the spring semester, but the California Dream Act application process begins right now.”

Undecided major Jocelyn Salas was born in Mexico and only lived there for six months. She is now 18 years old and doesn’t have a social security number. She can’t get a job, drive a car, or get regular financial aid.

“I’m waiting on my security number to come out, but I don’t know when I can get it,” said Salas.

Before the Dream Act, undocumented students could not receive public scholarships. Those students had to pay out-of-state tuition. Thirteen states allow undocumented students to pay the lower, in-state tuition.

Eligible citizens and legal residents will still get priority for Cal Grants. Undocumented students will get any remaining funds, under the Dream Act.

“But it’s only eligible for students who have attended a high school in California for three or more years, and graduated from a high school in California, received a High School Equivalency Certificate issued by the California State GED Office, or received a Certificate of Proficiency resulting from the California High School Proficiency Examination. Students can get more information about that in the workshop,” said Castro.

“They are thinking that the immigration just wants to know who they are and then pick them up. It’s not true. The program will be very helpful for them and the California Dream Act is not only for undocumented students but for non-resident students also,” Castro added.

Students, parents, and community members are welcome to attend a workshop. RSVP is required. Please contact Veronica Castro at (562) 860-2451 Ext. 3226 or vcastro@cerritos.edu for more information.

WHEN:

Friday, Nov. 2 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 9 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.