The California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) Program provides financial assistance to eligible California Dream Act Application (CADAA) students who complete community or volunteer service. This program supports students in gaining valuable, hands on experience while earning additional financial aid.

Program Details

• Award Amount: Up to $4,500 per academic year ($2,250 per semester or $1,500 per quarter)
• Duration: Available for up to 8 semesters or 12 quarters while the student maintains an active Cal Grant A or B award
• Separate Application Required? Yes – Students must submit a DSIG application for each award year in addition to the CADAA.
• Application Start & Deadline: DSIG Applications are available starting July 1 and accepted until June 30 of the academic year or until all 1,667 awards are exhausted, whichever comes first. The CADAA should be submitted by the priority deadline for state aid.

Eligibility & Requirements

To qualify for the DSIG Program, students must:

• Demonstrate sufficient financial need (determined by CSAC and verified by their institution)
  • Complete a California Dream Act Application (CADAA) for the academic year
  • Be an active recipient of a Cal Grant A or B award
    • Cal Grant A recipients must meet Cal Grant B eligibility
       
• Complete 300 service hours at a qualifying organization (July 1 – June 30)
  • 150 hours per semester or 100 hours per quarter
  • Service must be related to the student’s field of study or a community need and cannot involve political, social, or religious advocacy

How to Apply & Request Payment

✔ Step 1: Submit your CADAA for the academic year

• Visit our how to apply page for more information.

✔ Step 2: Apply for DSIG

• View application and detailed steps here.
• Download the DSIG application and work with your financial aid office and service organization to complete it. Submit application to CSAC.
• CSAC will verify eligibility and communicate with the applicant to confirm the award, request additional information if necessary, or provide reasons for which the applicant is ineligible.  
• Once accepted, student may begin volunteering and tracking their hours using the Service Hours Tracker.
   

✔ Step 2: Request Payment

• Once students complete required service hours, they may submit a payment request form.
• View the payment request form here.

Resources & FAQs

 DSIG FAQ

📄 DSIG Forms & Resources Page

Contact Information

California Student Aid Commission
California Dream Act Service Incentive Program
dsig@csac.ca.gov