Resources
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
- 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
Cañada College and each of the schools in SMCCCD are qualifying organizations. For
more opportunities, please see:
- What is a qualifying community or volunteer service organization?
- A nonprofit as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Any federal, state, or local government entity.
- Any school on the Cal Grant Eligible Schools list.
- Registration & Participation
- Organizations must have been established for a minimum of two years before the first date on which a participating student begins performing service hours to qualify for this program.
- Organizations can complete and submit the Service Organization Registration form found on the DSIG forms and resources page to verify their eligibility to participate.
How to Apply & Request Payment
✔ Step 1: Submit your CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) for the academic year
- Visit our how to apply page for more information.
✔ Step 2: Apply for DSIG
- 2026-27 DSIG Application: Available to eligible students in WebGrants4Students on July 1, 2026.
- Visit our apply for DSIG page for more information.
- 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.
⚠️ Students who plan on volunteering at Cañada College must complete a District Volunteer Information Form with the Business Office before completing service hours.
Please visit the financial aid office for more information.
✔ Step 3: Request Payment
- Once students complete required service hours, they may submit a payment request form.
- Payment Request Form
- The payment process for the 2026-27 academic year will be completed via WebGrants for Institutions. Please check back in August 2026 for more information.
Additional Resources:
Get access to extra grant and scholarship opportunities, campus tours to UCs and CSUs, technology loans and individualized tutoring support!
- Enrolled in at least 6 academic units, and meet at least one of the following guidelines:
- "First Generation" college students (neither parent has a bachelor's degree from a college or university in the United States)
- Students who are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant (FAFSA)
- Students with documented learning differences and/or physical disabilities (and registered with our Disability Resource Center).
Receive up to $250 per semester for books and materials, $100 per month for food, gas or transportation, and many more benefits!
- Full-time Student (12+ units), exceptions are made for students enrolled in the Disability Resource Center Program (DRC)
- Be a California Resident (including Dreamers and AB540)
- Qualify for the California College Promise Grant (CCPG)
- Have not completed 70-degree applicable units (domestic or international)
- Meet ONE of the Educational disadvantaged criteria:
- will take basic skills English or math or ESL or have previously enrolled in one of these classes
- high school GPA below 2.50
- not a high school graduate and does not have a GED
- first-generation college student
- member of an underrepresented group as identified in the College’s Educational Master Plan
Receive up to $300 per semester for books or materials, $50 per month for food, gas or transportation, and many more benefits!
- Students who are eligible to be in the Cañada College Promise Scholars Program full-time
must be:
- an incoming first year student
- graduating Middle College student
- graduating Concurrent student
- For the part-time Promise Scholars Program, students must have less than 30 units
before applying and remain part-time for the duration of the program.
Get help with financial education, receive up to $300 with Cañada Cash, and learn more about the weekly food distribution and food pantry services!
- SparkPoint services are open and available to all citizens of San Mateo County.
- To benefit from Cañada Cash, you must be enrolled as a student at Cañada College for
the current term.
Browse through scholarships offered through Cañada College and the San Mateo County Community College District! Additional opportunities are also available to students through our Scholarships page.
- Please refer to each scholarship for the posted eligibility requirements and reach out for help if you have questions.