Dream Service Incentive Grant

The Dream Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) Program is a California financial aid initiative that provides additional funding to eligible students who complete community or volunteer service while attending college. The program is designed for students who submit the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) and encourages public service, leadership, and career development through hands-on community involvement.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in the DSIG program, students must:

  • Be enrolled at least half-time
  • Submit a California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
  • Be an active recipient of a Cal Grant A or Cal Grant B award
  • Demonstrate financial unmet need
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
  • Complete approved volunteer or community service activities

Community Service Requirements

Students must complete qualifying community or volunteer service as part of the program.

  • Service must relate to the student’s field of study or a community need
  • Activities cannot involve political, social, or religious advocacy
  • Service must be supervised and documented
  • Work should support public service or provide community benefit

Students must complete:

  • 300 total service hours per academic year
  • Typically 150 hours per semester or 100 hours per quarter 

Award Amount

Eligible students may receive:

  • Up to $4,500 per academic year
  • Usually distributed as $2,250 per semester
  • Funding may continue for multiple semesters while students remain eligible

How Students Apply

  1. Submit the California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
  2. DSIG Student Agreement Form
  3. Apply for DSIG through CSAC (Link 2)
  4. Complete volunteer/service hours
  5. Submit a payment request and hour verification forms
     

https://www.csac.ca.gov/dsig

https://www.csac.ca.gov/dsig/resources