AB-540

Transfer Achievement Program students eligible for AB540 status receive several benefits, including financial aid assistance, on-campus involvement through clubs/organizations, and off-campus resources dealing with documentation.

Financial Aid for AB540 Students

California Dream Act Scholars: 

The California Dream Act is made up of two laws (AB 130 & AB 131) that were passed in 2011 and allow AB 540 students to apply for and receive several types of financial aid which include:

  • Board of Governors Fee Waivers

  • State financial aid like Cal Grants and Chafee Grants

  • Assistance from EOPS or CARE

  • Privately-funded scholarships

For more information, please see SBCC's Admission's Department California Dream Act page.

TAP Financial Aid/Scholarships:

TAP provides assistance to AB540 students in two ways: (1) TAP Book Grants (see T.A.P.'s financial aid/scholarships page) and through (2) The Michael and Diane Giles Grant.  This grant is available through a gift from Santa Barbara community members who have provided assistance to SBCC students and programs for years.

Students interested in applying for grants must meet specific guidelines. Keep in mind that most grants are competitive. To ensure that you are eligible to receive these grants, make an appointment with a TAP counselor or adviser.

I.D.E.A.S Club/Organization:

Established in 2005 the SBCC student club Improving Dreams, Equality, Access and Success (IDEAS) has been actively involved with issues affecting undocumented students. In 2009-2010 IDEAS raised over $3,000 in scholarship money to provide to current SBCC AB540 Students.

To get involved please email us at ideas@sbcc.edu

Links:

Repository of Resources for Undocumented Students
Life After College: A Guide for Undocumented Students

SBCC IDEAS