California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG)
The California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) program encourages California Dream Act Application (CADAA) students to engage in community service while pursuing their education. The program is administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).
Eligible students who hold an active Cal Grant A (with B eligibility) or Cal Grant B award can receive up to $4,500 per academic year by completing volunteer service at qualified community organizations between July 1 and June 30.
Program Highlights (2025–26)
- Students can earn up to $2,250 per semester or $1,500 per quarter, for a total of $4,500 annually.
- Funding is available for up to 8 semesters or 12 quarters while maintaining an active Cal Grant A or B award.
- Recipients must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and complete all required Cal Grant verification steps.
- Students must have unmet financial need and be enrolled at a qualifying California institution.
- Semester students must complete 150 service hours per semester (300 hours for the year); quarter students must complete 100 hours per quarter (300 hours for the year).
- Volunteer service must take place at a registered service organization that supports community engagement, education, or social impact. Organizations must register using the CSAC Service Organization Registration Form.
- Students must submit a new DSIG application each academic year via dream.csac.ca.gov.
Support at UC Merced
The Monarch Center – Services for Undocumented Students can guide you through the DSIG application process and help you identify or register a qualifying service organization. UC Merced departments and programs have previously hosted DSIG Fellows across campus, including student resource centers and community outreach programs.
For assistance with your application or help registering your service site, email undoc@ucmerced.edu.
