Dream Service Incentive Grant (DSIG)

If you have been awarded Cal Grant B, you are eligible for this program. If you are not sure of your eligibility, schedule an appointment with a Dream Center staff member.

Contact the Dream Center and they will be more than happy to help you identify an internship site on or off campus.

If it is an on-campus site, the Dream Center team can help you get started. If it is an off-campus nonprofit that is not listed on the DSIG website, you must submit the Service Organization Registration form.  Please note that you cannot volunteer for an organization that engages exclusively in political, social, or religious advocacy.

You can do that! Please make sure you submit the paperwork for both sites to get approved. 

It depends on how busy the CSAC DSIG team is. It may take a few days to weeks. You can begin your internship while you wait but just keep in mind that you may not be approved. It is okay to wait to begin your internship until you are approved.

You can always switch internship sites. We just ask that you communicate with your site lead and let them know you would like to end your internships. You can always reach out to the Dream Center team for support.

It is up for you and your internship lead to decide on your weekly hours. Most students complete 10-20 a week. We just ask that you do not complete more than 20 hours a week to ensure you prioritize your studies.

For Fall semester: Your 150 hours can be completed in spring semester.

For Spring Semester: Your 150 hours must be completed by June 30^th.

Make sure you keep note of your hours by using the Services Hours Tracker. Once 150 hours have been completed, complete your Payment Request.

• Fill out Section 1 and 4 and have the staff or faculty or site lead who you will be volunteering with sign Section 3.
• Bring the form to the Financial Aid Office and we will send it off for you.

Once you submit your payment request form to CSAC, the DSIG team will let you know if you are approved for payment. If approved, you and the financial aid administrator  will receive an email notification once your check is mailed to your school’s Financial Aid Office. This process usually takes 4-6 weeks. We highly encourage you to submit your payment request as soon as you complete your 150 hours.

Please submit our RC Service/Volunteer form to list your site. The Dream Center team will share your opportunity with students.

No, this program is covered by the California Student Aid Commission. We do ask that if funding is available, that you provide all the supplies and tools needed for the student to complete the volunteer experience.

Yes, you must submit a volunteer packet form. The packet is found on the Intranet.

No, this is an experiential learning opportunity where the student is a volunteer. The goal of this program is to provide students the opportunity to volunteer and gather career experience while supporting departmental projects.

Yes, they can.

You can always refer students to the Dream Center, and we can help students verify if they qualify. Please note that the DSIG program is only for CA Dream Act eligible students.