AB540 Conference Resource Guide

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San Diego County Office of Education
October 15, 2010
Sponsored By:
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)/ SDCOE
San Diego and Imperial Counties Cal-SOAP
Table of Content
AB540 Conference
Assisting All Students to Pursue
Postsecondary Options
October 15, 2010
AB540: The Law p. 1
AB540: The Law and Facts p. 2
Who are Undocumented Students? p. 3
Frequently Asked Questions for Undocumented Students p. 3-5
AB540: California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Information p. 6
California Nonresident Tuition Exemption-Procedure p. 7
California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request p. 8
AB540: The High School Counselor Role p. 9
Top 10 Ways Counselors Can Help Undocumented Students p. 10
Tips for Advising AB540 Students p. 11
MALDEF Frequency Asked Questions p. 12-16
Postsecondary Information p. 17-18
Scholarship List p. 19-23
Additional AB540 information on www.sandiegocalsoap.com
AB540: The Law
Education Code Section 68130.5 "AB 540" Law
AB 540 was chaptered in to law. The current law is identified as California Education
Code 68130.5.
California Education Code Section 68130.5. Notwithstanding any other provision of
law:
(a) A student, other than a nonimmigrant alien within the meaning of
paragraph (15) of subsection (a) of Section 1101 of Title 8 of the United
States Code, who meets all of the following requirements shall be exempt from
paying nonresident tuition at the California State University and the
California Community Colleges:
(1) High school attendance in California for three or more years.
(2) Graduation from a California high school or attainment of the
equivalent thereof.
(3) Registration as an entering student at, or current enrollment at, an
accredited institution of higher education in California not earlier than the
fall semester or quarter of the 2001-02 academic year.
(4) In the case of a person without lawful immigration status, the filing
of an affidavit with the institution of higher education stating that the
student has filed an application to legalize his or her immigration status, or
will file an application as soon as he or she is eligible to do so.
(b) A student exempt from nonresident tuition under this section may be
reported by a community college district as a full-time equivalent student for
apportionment purposes.
(c) The Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges and the
Trustees of the California State University shall prescribe rules and
regulations for the implementation of this section.
(d) Student information obtained in the implementation of this section is
confidential.
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Section 2: Assembly Bill 540 - The Law and the Facts
AB540, signed into law on October 12, 2001, authorizes undocumented students who
meet specific criteria to pay in-state tuition at California’s public colleges and universities
(e.g., California Community Colleges, California State University, and University of
California). Any student, except a person in nonimmigrant status, who meets the
requirements, shall be exempt from paying nonresident tuition at all public colleges and
universities in California.
AB 540 Eligibility Requirements
The student must have attended a California high school for 3 or more years
The student must have graduated from a California high school or attained a
G.E.D.
The student must have registered or currently be enrolled at an accredited
institution of higher education in California.
The student must have filed or will an affidavit as required by individual
institutions, stating that you will apply for legal residency as soon as you are
eligible to do so.
Non-immigrant students are not eligible for this exemption. Non-immigrant students, as
defined by federal immigration law, may hold one of the following visas: A, B, C, D, E,
F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, TN, TD and V, and TROV and NATO.
AB 540 Affidavit -“CALIFORNIA NONRESIDENMT TUITION EXEMPTION
REQUEST”
Students must obtain, complete, and submit the AB540 Affidavit at the appropriate office
of the college they WILL attend in order to receive the exemption from nonresident
tuition.
California Community Colleges:
Request and submit the completed affidavit at the Admissions Office. You will be
required to submit additional documentation such as high school transcripts and
appropriate records of high school graduation or the equivalent.
California State University:
Request and submit the affidavit with the Office of Admissions and Records. You will be
required to submit additional documentation such as high school transcripts and
appropriate records of high school graduation or the equivalent.
University of California:
Request and submit the affidavit with the Office of the Registrar at the UC campus. The
affidavit will need to be submitted once you have been admitted to the UC campus.
Check with your campus for more specific instructions.
For additional information visit the following websites:
University of California www.ucop.edu
California Community Colleges www.cccco.edu
Los Angeles Community Colleges www.laccd.edu
California State University www.csumentor.edu
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Who are undocumented students?
Undocumented students include those students born outside of the United States, many of
whom have lived in this country for a significant portion of their lives, and who reside
here without the legal permission of the federal government. Many undocumented
students and their families entered the country legally on tourist or work visas and chose
to stay in the US after their visas expired. Others entered without any form of
documentation.
• The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that in the year 2000, approximately 2.5. million
undocumented youth under age 18 were living in the U.S.
• Each year, over 65, 000 undocumented students graduate from U.S. high schools.
• 40% of all undocumented students live in California.
• In 2001, between 5,000-8,000 students in California were eligible for AB540.
• In 2004, 17 California high school Valedictorians were undocumented.
• Many undocumented students were brought to the U.S. at a very young age.
• Many undocumented students have aspirations to attend college.
• Many undocumented students have excelled as honors students, class valedictorians, and active
members of their communities.
***The terms “undocumented students” and “AB 540 students” are used interchangeably
throughout this guide.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS:
Q: What does it mean to be undocumented?
A: If you are not a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident and do not currently possess a green
card, visa, or other legal documentation, you are considered an undocumented immigrant.
Q: If I am undocumented and interested in applying for residency, what should I
do?
A: In order to find out if you are eligible to apply for legal permanent residency, contact a
licensed immigration attorney. DO NOT give your money to a “notario.” In the U.S., a notario is
not an attorney and cannot help you establish residency.
Q: If I am undocumented, can I go to college?
A: YES. Undocumented students can go to any college or university in California if they meet
admissions requirements.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR AB 540 STUDENTS:
Q: Is 9th grade included in the definition of “high school” if it is included as part of the
middle school?
A: Yes. For purposes of eligibility for the tuition exemption, enrollment in the 9th grade, whether
at a middle or high school, counts toward the California high school attendance requirement.
Q: Does the high school enrollment have to be at the same California school and for three
consecutive years?
A: No, the three years for a student’s 9th through 12th grades need not be consecutive or
completed at a single California school. For example, if a student attended 9th grade at a
California middle or high school, left the state to attend 10th grade in another state, and returned
to a second qualified California high school to complete 11th and 12th grades, that student would
still meet the requirement of three years of high school attendance in California.
Q: What does “has graduated from a California high school or has attained the equivalent”
mean?
A: The three possibilities include the following:
a. A diploma from a California high school; or
b. A High School Equivalency Certificate, issued by the California State GED Office; or
c. A Certificate of Proficiency, resulting from the California High School Proficiency
Examination.
Q: Does it matter how far in the past a student graduated from high school to be eligible
for nonresident tuition exemption?
A: No, it does not matter how long ago the student graduated from a California high school or
attained the equivalent.
Q: Are “home schooled” students eligible?
A: A student who is “home-schooled” by a parent or other person who did not hold a California
teacher credential is not eligible, because that “school” would not meet the exemption definition
of a “high school in California.”
Q: Can students living out-of-state enroll in a private California “internet high school,”
complete their coursework via distance learning correspondence, and meet the California
high school enrollment and graduation requirements?
A: No. This type of private school would not meet the requirements of this Section 48222 of the
California Education Code, which defines a “high school in California” for the purposes of
exemption eligibility.
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Q: I pay or have paid out-of-state tuition, but I am not eligible to pay in-state tuition under
the new law (AB 540). Will I be able to get a refund?
A: You will not be eligible for a refund if you paid out-of-state tuition for any term before
January 1, 2002. You may be eligible for a refund only if you have paid out-of-state tuition for
any term that begins on or after January 1, 2002. Contact the university or college administration
for more information.
Q: Is there a maximum number of years for which I am eligible to receive this exemption?
A: No. There is no cap on the maximum number of years one can receive this exemption.
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AB-540: California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Information
You qualify if:
You have attended a California High School for 3 or more
years (does not have to be the same high school)
You have or will graduate from a California High School or
have attained a G.E.D.
You have registered at or are currently enrolled at an
accredited institution of higher education in California
You have filed or will file an affidavit, as required by
individual colleges (not INS), stating that you will apply for
legal residency as soon as you are eligible to do so
Financial Aid and Fee Difference:
AB-540 does not provide access to federal or state financial aid. Nevertheless, AB-540 eliminates out-
of-state fees at colleges and universities for students regardless of legal residency status, making
higher education more affordable to non-U.S. residents.*
AB-540 allows undocumented students to pay the in-state fees below.
Figures are the estimated costs for 2009-2010. Total costs for 2011 may be higher.
Caveats:
Students eligible for this exemption who are transferring to another California public college or
university must submit a new request (and documentation, if required) to each college under
consideration.
Students who are non-immigrants [for example, those who hold F (student) visas, B (visitor) visas,
etc.] are not eligible for this exemption.
For more information, go to www.maldef.org
College / University Application Process for Immigrant Students:
Students should speak with a college/university representative to receive accurate information
about the specific campus. For all UC and most CSU campuses, the student must apply in
November of the year before they wish to enroll. Two sections in the application must be left
BLANK:
o Social Security Number slot should be left BLANK
o Immigration Status should be left BLANK
* Non-U.S. resident students are those who do not have legal status in the United States; these students must also meet all the requirements
mentioned above.
Everything else should be filled out completely and truthfully. Students should contact a UC or CSU representative for specific instructions for
completing the UC and CSU applications, as these may change from year to year. Additional materials should NOT be sent with the application.
Once the student is accepted by the university, then he/she should fill out and send the AB-540 affidavit. For community colleges, the student must
turn in the AB-540 affidavit when they apply.
Important Note: AB-540 requires that state colleges and universities keep student information confidential. A student’s
immigration status cannot and will not be reported to the Department of Immigration or any other third party.
Institution
In-State Fees
California Community Colleges
$26 per unit
California State Universities
$4,026 per year (tuition only)
University of California
$9,285 per year (tuition only)
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California Nonresident Tuition Exemption
For Eligible California High School Graduates
(The law passed by the Legislature in 2001 as “AB 540”)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Any student, other than a nonimmigrant alien, who meets all of the following requirements, shall be exempt from paying
nonresident tuition at the California Community Colleges, the University of California, and the California State University
(all public colleges and universities in California).
Requirements:
o The student must have attended a high school (public or private) in California for three or more years.
o The student must have graduated from a California high school or attained the equivalent prior to the start of the term
(for example, passing the GED or California High School Proficiency exam).
o An alien student who is without lawful immigration status must file an affidavit with the college or university stating
that he or she has filed an application to legalize his or her immigration status, or will file an application as soon as he
or she is eligible to do so.
Students who are nonimmigrants [for example, those who hold F (student) visas, B (visitor) visas, etc.] are not
eligible for this exemption.
The student must file an exemption request including a signed affidavit with the college that indicates the student
has met all applicable conditions described above. Student information obtained in this process is strictly
confidential unless disclosure is required under law.
Students eligible for this exemption who are transferring to another California public college or university must
submit a new request (and documentation if required) to each college under consideration.
Nonresident students meeting the criteria will be exempted from the payment of nonresident tuition, but they will
not be classified as California residents. They continue to be “nonresidents”.
AB540 does not provide student financial aid eligibility for undocumented alien students. These students remain
ineligible for state and federal financial aid.
PROCEDURES FOR REQUESTING THIS
EXEMPTION FROM NONRESIDENT TUITION
California Community Colleges: Complete the form on the reverse. Submit it to the Admissions Office at the
community college where you are enrolled or intend to enroll. You may be required to submit additional documentation.
Call the college Admissions Office if you have questions.
University of California: The University of California (UC) system has its own nonresident tuition exemption
application and affidavit form, but it will accept the exemption request form used by the California Community Colleges
and the California State University. Your campus has established deadlines for submission of exemption requests;
however, requests are not to be submitted until you have been admitted to a UC campus. Some students, such as
transfer, graduate, and professional students, also must submit their official high school transcripts; check your campus
for specific instructions. Once you are determined to be eligible for the exemption, you will continue to receive it as long
as you fulfill the eligibility requirements or until the University no longer offers this exemption. The exemption covers the
Nonresident Tuition Fee and the Educational Fee differential charged to nonresident students. Applying for the exemption
does not alter your responsibility to pay by the campus deadline any nonresident tuition and associated fees that may be
due before your eligibility is determined. For general information, visit the following website:
www.ucop.edu/sas/sfs/ppolicies/ab540faqs.htm. For campus-specific instructions regarding documentation and deadline
dates, contact the campus Office of the Registrar.
California State University: Complete the form on the reverse. Contact the Office of Admission and Records at the
CSU campus where you are enrolled or intend to enroll for instructions on submission, deadline information, and
additional requirements. You will be required to submit final high school transcripts and appropriate records of high
school graduation or the equivalent, if you have not done so already. Call the Office of Admissions and Records at the
campus if you have questions.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Rev. 10/03
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California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request
For Eligible California High School Graduates
Complete and sign this form to request an exemption from Nonresident Tuition. You must submit any documentation
required by the College or University (for example, proof of high school attendance in California). Contact the California
Community College, University of California or California State University campus where you intend to enroll (or are
enrolled) for instructions on documentation, additional procedures and applicable deadlines.
ELIGIBILITY:
I, the undersigned, am applying for a California Nonresident Tuition Exemption for eligible California high school
graduates at (specify the college or university)____________________________________________ and I declare the following:
Check YES or NO boxes:
o Yes o No I have graduated from a California high school or have attained the equivalent thereof, such as a
High School Equivalency Certificate, issued by the California State GED Office or a Certificate of
Proficiency, resulting from the California High School Proficiency Examination.
o Yes o No I have attended high school in California for three or more years.
Provide information on all school(s) you attended in grades 9 - 12:
School City State Dates:
From Month/Year To Month/Year
Documentation of high school attendance and graduation (or its equivalent) is required by the University of California,
The California State University and some California Community Colleges. Follow campus instructions.
Check the box that applies to you -- check only one box:
o I am a nonimmigrant alien as defined by federal law, [including, but not limited to, a foreign student (F visa) or
exchange visitor (J visa)].
OR
o I am NOT a nonimmigrant alien (including, but not limited to, a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or an alien
without lawful immigration status).
AFFIDAVIT:
I, the undersigned, declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the information I have provided on this form is true and
accurate. I understand that this information will be used to determine my eligibility for the nonresident tuition exemption for eligible California high school
graduates. I hereby declare that, if I am an alien without lawful immigration status, I have filed an application to legalize my immigration status or will file
an application as soon as I am eligible to do so. I further understand that if any of the above information is untrue, I will be liable for payment of all
nonresident charges from which I was exempted and may be subject to disciplinary action by the College or University.
Print Full Name (as it appears on your campus student records) Campus/Student Identification Number
Print Full Mailing Address (Number, Street, City, State, Zip Code)
Email Address (Optional)
Phone Number (Optional)
Signature Date
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AB 540: The High School Counselor’s Role
Legally, K-12 school personnel cannot inquire about the immigration status of
students or their parents. Therefore, you may learn that a student is undocumented only
if he chooses to share this information. Undocumented students may not even be aware of
their legal status.
What you can do:
Reach out as early as possible to all students and encourage them to envision
themselves as college material, explore career options, and prepare academically
for college. If the opportunity arises, let students know that undocumented status
is not a legal bar to attending a U.S. college.
Explain the requirements for federal financial aid when discussing financial
aid at parent meetings or other group sessions: recipients must ne U.S. citizens or
legal residents. You can explain financial aid policies and options to parents and
students without asking about their immigration status.
Know your state’s laws regarding undocumented students and stay up-to date on
changes in the laws
Let students know there are scholarships available to undocumented students.
Currently, there is no official role a school can play in helping students become
documented. However, if an application for citizenship is in the works, you can help
determine whether the paperwork is in the application process. And, if appropriate, you
can refer students to qualified immigration lawyers.
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Top 10 Ways Counselors Can Help Undocumented Students
1. Make information and resources about undocumented students easily available to all
students. Don’t ask students to self-identify. Many students will be too scared to reveal
their immigration status. Some students might not even know about their status.
2. Be open-minded. Don’t make assumptions about which students may or may not be
undocumented. Undocumented students aren’t all Latino, Spanish-speaking, or enrolled
in ESL classes.
3. Be knowledgeable about specific government and college admission policies that
affect undocumented students.
4. Support the federal DREAM Act and other state-based legislation to support
undocumented students.
5. Identify private scholarships that don’t require citizenship/residency.
6. Encourage private scholarships to allow undocumented students to apply.
7. Identify private sponsors who can provide financial support to undocumented students.
8. Help undocumented students create lasting support networks that can offer ongoing
mentoring and advice, even after the college admission process.
9. Identify older undocumented students to serve as role models.
10. Refer students to qualified legal counsel to investigate possible immigration
remedies.
Katharine GIN is cofounder and executive director of Educators for Fair Consideration (E4FC), a nonprofit that
supports low-income immigrant students in higher education. A fifth-generation Chinese American, Katharine was
born and raised in San Francisco, and later received her undergraduate degree from Yale University (CT). For more
than 15 years, she has worked to improve arts and education opportunities for low-income youth.r its philanthropic
program,
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Tips for Advising AB-540 Students
1) Assist students with completion of college admission application fee-waivers.
Undocumented students ARE NOT eligible for CSU application fee-waivers.
Undocumented students ARE eligible for UC application fee-waivers.
Undocumented student eligibility for private college/university application fee-waivers is
on a campus-by-campus basis. CONTACT EACH CAMPUS the student is interested in
attending to find out.
2) Assist students with completion of college admission applications.
Undocumented AB-540 students often require assistance completing residency questions
included in college admission applications.
If you are unable to assist the student, refer them to an AB-540 knowledgeable
representative from the college they wish to apply to.
Develop relations with schools and contact for advice.
3) Assist students with scholarships that do not require legal permanent residency, U.S. citizenship,
and/or a Social Security Number.
Scholarship list available at: www.maldef.org
Many private scholarships require proof of citizenship/legal residency, which makes
undocumented students ineligible.
Undocumented AB-540 students often require assistance with researching and successfully
finding scholarships that they are eligible for.
4) Assist students with finding alternative options for funding their education.
Many undocumented AB-540 students are finding creative ways to fund their education.
o Students may consider approaching friends, neighbors, family members, teachers, or
local businesses to request financial support for their college education.
o Students may consider working together to hold fundraisers to help undocumented AB-
540 students pay for college.
5) Assist students with determining whether or not to complete a FAFSA.
ONLY undocumented students with residency paperwork “in process” should complete a
FAFSA. If they have filed paperwork then the government is aware of their presence in
the U.S. and the student is not at risk for deportation.
Undocumented students without paperwork “in process” SHOULD NOT complete a
FAFSA. For these students, submitting a FAFSA to the federal government can put them
at risk for deportation. Some undocumented students have been placed into deportation
proceedings after submitting a FAFSA.
6) When providing workshops or informational sessions on higher education, include information on
AB-540 and opportunities available to immigrant students.
Provide AB-540 trainings to counselors, teachers, and staff.
Inform parents about the options their children have.
Although most information is presented to high schools, starting at the elementary and
middle school levels will increase awareness about college opportunities for all students.
7) Refer students to www.uscis.gov, so they may learn about the process for attaining citizenship.
For a list of legal services that assist with this process, visit www.maldef.org.
Tips created by Dr. Paz Oliverez, Executive Director, Futuros Educational Services: poliverez@futuros-california.org
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Rev. 1/22/09
634 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Telephone (213) 629-2512
www.maldef.org
AB 540
Frequently Asked Questions
Since January 1, 2002, California’s AB 540 law allows
undocumented immigrant students in pursuit of a higher
education who meet specific requirements to be exempt from
paying out-of-state tuition fees.
1. I am an undocumented student who attended high school in Oregon (or a state other than California)
for two years and completed my junior and senior years of high school in California. Do I qualify to pay in-
state tuition under this law?
NO. In order to be exempt from paying out-of-state tuition, undocumented students must meet ALL of the
following requirements to qualify for a waiver under AB 540:
Attend high school in California for 3 or more years; AND
Graduate from a California high school with a diploma, or obtain the equivalent thereof (such as a GED
or the California High School Proficiency Exam); AND
File an affidavit with the California community college or university the student is currently attending or
will attend stating1:
1) The student meets all of the above requirements; and
2) If the students are undocumented, they are in the process of adjusting their immigration
status or will adjust their immigration status as soon as they are eligible to do so.
2. Does the AB 540 law apply to all public systems of higher education in California?
YES. All three public systems of higher education in California have adopted AB 540 as part of their educational
code. This includes the University of California, California State University and California Community Colleges.
3. What is the cost difference between in-state vs. out-of-state tuition?
2008-2009 tuition costs are as follows2:
California Community Colleges (CC) $20 per unit (in-state) $173 per unit (out-of-state)
California State University (CSU) $3,797 per year (in-state) $13,967 per year (out-of-state)
University of California (UC) $8,007 per year (in-state) $28,615 per year (out-of-state)
1 Samples of the current affidavit can be found in the AB 540 section of the MALDEF website.
2 These amounts are tuition only and may not include additional enrollment fees.
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Rev. 1/22/09
4. As an AB 540 student, how do I fill out my college/university admissions application?
We recommend eligible AB 540 students consult with an admissions officer regarding their application inquiries.
Generally, there are TWO sections of your application that should be left BLANK:
1) Social Security Number box should be left BLANK (unless the applicant has a valid social
security number issued by the Social Security administration that may be used for purposes other than
work); and
2) Immigration Status box should be left BLANK.
All information contained in the application should be truthful, particularly with regard to immigration status and
social security information, because providing false information could potentially jeopardize an individual’s
future efforts to adjust his or her immigration status. In general, the application requires social security number
and immigration status information in order for the school to determine whether the student will be classified as a
California resident or not. After students have been accepted by a Cal State or a UC university, they should fill
out and send the AB 540 affidavit to the admissions and/or registrars office. For community colleges, students
must turn in the AB 540 affidavit the same day they register at the college.
5. AB 540 requires that I submit a sworn statement or an affidavit to the admissions office of the college or
university that I am attending. What type of information do I have to include in the affidavit?
All students seeking an exemption from non-resident tuition fees must file an affidavit with the student’s college
or university stating that the student meets the law’s requirements and, if the student is not a U.S. Citizen or legal
permanent resident, that the student is either in the process of adjusting his or her immigration status or will do so
as soon as he or she is eligible to do so. These affidavits are available at all public colleges or universities. By
signing the affidavit, the student makes a personal oath to the college or university that all information the student
provided in the affidavit is truthful and accurate. These affidavits often ask the student to provide information
such as the name of the California high school the student attended, the dates of attendance, and the student’s
name, address, student ID number and signature.
6. Will the college or university I am or will be attending share the information I provide in the affidavit with U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)?
No. Under California law, the information you provide in the affidavit must remain confidential.
7. If I am eligible for the AB 540 tuition exemption, will I be considered a California resident at the public college
or university where I enroll?
NO. A student who qualifies for AB 540 is classified as a “nonresident student with AB 540 exemption” by the
higher education institution he or she attends.
8. Can I apply for AB 540 status at private universities or technical colleges like USC, Stanford, ITT Tech,
Bryman College, etc.?
NO. AB 540 applies only to PUBLIC community colleges and universities in California. Private colleges set their
own tuition policies. If you are interested in attending a private institution, contact the admissions counselor of the
institution you are considering to discuss what fees you would be required to pay and whether you may qualify for
any scholarships they offer. Also, undocumented AB 540 students are not international students because they do
not hold a student visa, and should not apply as such.
2
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Rev. 1/22/09
9. Does it matter how long ago a student graduated from a California high school to be eligible for the AB 540
tuition exemption?
NO. The date of high school graduation does not affect a student’s eligibility for the AB 540 tuition exemption.
So long as the student attended a California high school for at least 3 years prior to graduation, the student will be
eligible to apply for the AB 540 exemption.
10. Do I qualify under AB 540 if I attended an adult school in California for three years and have a GED?
Attending an adult school is not equivalent to attending a high school and does not generally satisfy the
requirement under AB 540 that a student attend a California high school for 3 or more years. However, if the
adult school was an “evening high school,” there are some higher education institutions that may accept adult
school as the equivalent of attending a high school. If you attended an adult school and would like to know about
your AB 540 eligibility, please consult with the AB 540 counselor or admissions counselor at the college or
university you are considering attending.
11. Can a Certificate of Completion meet the high school diploma equivalent for AB 540?
A Certificate of Completion is generally NOT the equivalent of graduating from high school. Because a
Certificate of Completion is given to students who completed all of the required high school curriculum, but did
not pass all of their high school exit exams, it is not the equivalent of a high school diploma. A Certificate of
Completion is insufficient to gain admission to institutions in the Cal State or UC systems without also obtaining
a GED. However, once a student receives his or her GED, the student may be eligible to attend the institution and
to apply for the AB 540 exemption. However, some community colleges may accept the Certificate of
Completion in lieu of a high school diploma to meet the AB 540 requirement. Please consult with the AB 540
counselor or admissions counselor at the college or university where you are applying for more information.
12. Do I qualify for any type of state or federal financial aid?
NO. Undocumented AB 540 students do not qualify for any type of state (e.g. BOG Fee Waiver at the
community college, EOPS and Cal Grant) or federal (e.g. FAFSA, Pell, and SEOG) financial aid. Students may
meet the financial requirements to receive these awards, but state and federal laws prohibit undocumented
immigrant students from receiving any type of government-subsidized educational benefits. However,
undocumented immigrant students may qualify for PRIVATE scholarships that do not require verification of legal
immigration status. Students should visit www.maldef.org for a list of these types of awards. Undocumented
immigrant students should also look into fundraising, savings, and other opportunities to supplement the cost of
their education.
13. Where can I look for scholarships that do not require applicants to have legal immigration status?
MALDEF’s website can provide you with an extensive list of scholarships that do not inquire into the applicant’s
immigration status or do not require the applicant to present a social security number to redeem the award.
However, we recommend that you contact scholarship organizations directly and ask if you meet the criteria to
receive the scholarship if you are selected. Please browse through the following websites for additional
scholarship lists: www.chci.org/chciyouth/resources/2008-2009_Directory.pdf, http://latinocollegedollars.org/,
www.fastweb.com/, www.scholarships.com, and www.scholarshiphelp.org. DO NOT pay anyone or any
organization or company to apply for scholarships or for access to scholarship lists. Legitimate scholarships
NEVER ask for an application fee. Beware of scholarship scams.
3
14
Rev. 1/22/09
14. Do I qualify for an educational loan as an undocumented student?
Undocumented students do not qualify for any type of federal or California state financial aid including
educational loans because federal law prohibits them from receiving these loans. Students who are interested in
financing their education with private loans should contact private lending institutions to determine their
eligibility for these loans.
15. What will happen if I have already given the school a Social Security number that does not belong to me, or
stated that I am a United States citizen or lawfully present immigrant and I am not?
If you are eligible to apply for AB 540 but have falsified information regarding your immigration status in the
past with your college or university or any other state or federal agency, you should seek legal advice from a
licensed immigration attorney. Falsely claiming to be a United States citizen or a legal permanent resident is
considered immigration fraud and may cause you to be ineligible to legalize your immigration status if you
become eligible to do so in the future. For a referral to a licensed immigration attorney call the State Bar of
California at (866) 442-2529 or American Immigration Lawyers Association www.aila.org.
16. I am a student with a valid student visa. Am I eligible for the AB 540 tuition exemption?
NO. AB 540 is only available to United States citizens, legal permanent residents, and undocumented immigrant
students who meet the eligibility requirements outlined under AB 540. AB 540 does not permit individuals with
any type of nonimmigrant visas (which include student visas) to receive the AB 540 nonresident tuition
exemption. Because individuals with student visas are classified as “nonimmigrant aliens” under United States
immigration law, they cannot receive the AB 540 exemption.3 However, nonimmigrants whose visas have
expired – including those with expired student visas – are no longer classified as nonimmigrants under
United States immigration law since their immigration status expired. If your nonimmigrant visa has
expired and you are currently undocumented, you are eligible to apply for the AB 540 tuition exemption.
Even though students with nonimmigrant visas cannot qualify for the AB 540 exemption, some nonimmigrants
(not including those with student visas) may be able to establish California residency for tuition purposes.
Students with valid nonimmigrant visas should consult with an admissions counselor or the residency deputy at
the institution they are considering attending to find out if they meet the California resident criteria.
17. Does AB 540 change my immigration status?
NO. AB 540 only determines what tuition rate a student pays. It DOES NOT change your immigration status,
and it DOES NOT create a path to legalize your immigration status. If you have questions about your ability to
adjust your immigration status, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney. For a referral to a licensed
immigration attorney, call the State Bar of California at (866) 442-2529 or American Immigration Lawyers
Association www.aila.org.
18. Do I need to be in the legalization process to qualify for AB 540?
NO. Both students that are already in the process of adjusting their status and those that are not yet in the process
of adjusting their status qualify to apply for the tuition exemption under AB 540. The affidavit that students must
sign in order to receive the AB 540 exemption contains a provision requiring the student to swear or affirm that
they will start the process to adjust their status as soon as they are eligible to do so.
3 As described in the language of AB 540, a nonimmigrant is defined in paragraph (15), subsection (a), Section 1101 of
Title 8 of the United States Code. Visa holders in the following categories are considered “nonimmigrant aliens:” A, B, C,
D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, and V.
4
15
Rev. 1/22/09
19. If I want to attend a graduate program or a professional school (e.g., law school), can I use the AB 540
exemption?
If you obtain admission to a graduate or professional program at a California public university and meet the
requirements for AB 540, then you are eligible for the out-of-state tuition exemption. If you are interested in a
particular graduate or professional program, please contact the admissions counselor of that program to ask about
the program’s specific admissions requirements. If you are denied admission and you believe it is because of your
immigration status, please contact MALDEF.
For more information contact the
Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund
634 S. Spring Street, 11th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 629-2512
www.maldef.org
5
16
Comments California Community
College
California State
University
University of
California
Private Schools
Application
Deadline
Always check with the
individual campus.
Deadlines may vary.
There is no formal
application deadline,
however, you are
encouraged to apply
early in the final
semester of your senior
year.
November 30th is the
deadline for Fall
Admissions. Some
campuses extend this
deadline.
November 30th is the
deadline for Fall
Admissions. The
University of
California publishes
specific guidelines on
how AB 540 students
should proceed with
the application.
Contact a college
counselor or university
representative for spe-
cific information.
"Early decision" or
"Early action" take
place in November.
Regular admissions
application deadlines
typically takes place in
January but can vary
by campus.
Application Fee None $55.00 per campus $60.00 per campus Varies per campus but
is often around $55.
Fee Waiver AB 540 student eligi-
bility for fee waivers
differs by each institu-
tion type.
N/A Request to Waive
Admissions Fee forms
can be obtained
online, from a universi-
ty representative, or
from a college coun-
selor. Fee waiver eligi-
bility is determined
based on the online
admissions application
income criteria calcula-
tion and residency
requirements.
Fee waiver eligibility
is determined based
on the online admis-
sions application
income criteria calcula-
tion and residency
requirements. A UC
fee waiver waives fees
for up to four campus-
es. Contact a college
counselor or university
representative for spe-
cific information.
Contact the respective
campus. If you partici-
pated in the College
Board's SAT® Program
Fee-Waiver Service,
you may also be eligi-
ble to waive applica-
tion fees at the private
colleges to which
you're applying. Fee-
waiver eligibility is
determined on a case-
by-case basis.
Admissions
Requirements
Students must be 18
years old and/ or have
a High School
Diploma or GED.
www.cccco.edu
www.csumentor.org www.universityofcali-
fornia.edu
www.aiccumentor.org
www.commonapp.org
Required
Documents and
Residency
Information
You will have to
identify yourself as AB
540-eligible as part of
your application, and
sign an AB 540
Affidavit/Non-
Resident Tuition
Exemption Form at
the campus you will
attend. College dis-
tricts have the ability
to accept self-certifica-
tion via the AB 540
affidavit; check with
the college's admis-
sion's office. Those
that do not accept self-
certification will
require the following:
Official High School
Transcripts w/ posted
graduation date. If
applying online, most
colleges may identify
you as AB 540-eligible
based on questions
answered during the
application.
After being admitted,
you will be required to
complete and submit a
AB540-CA
Nonresident Tuition
Exemption and CSU
Residence
Questionnaire to the
campus that you will
attend. You should
contact a college coun-
selor or university rep-
resentative when fill-
ing this out.
You will also need to
provide official high
school transcripts
and/or community col-
lege transcripts
After being admitted,
you will be required to
turn in a Statement of
Legal Residence
(SLR) where you will
be asked numerous
specific questions
related to your resi-
dency and your par-
ent's residency. You
should contact a col-
lege counselor or uni-
versity representative
when filling this out.
You will also need to
provide official high
school transcripts
and/or community col-
lege transcripts You
will be required to sign
an AB 540
Affidavit/Non-
Resident Tuition
Exemption Form only
at the campus you plan
to attend.
AB 540 does not quali-
fy undocumented stu-
dents to pay in-state
tuition at private
institutions. Therefore,
you may be identified
as an international stu-
dent and may have to
pay international stu-
dent fees.
23 USC CENTER FOR HIGHER EDUCATION POLICY ANALYSIS
17
Comments California Community
College
California State
University
University of California Private Schools
Admissions
Notification Each campus has its own
timeline for notifying stu-
dents of admission. Some
campuses begin notifying
applicants of an admission
decision soon after the
receipt of an application.
You are admitted once
you file an admissions
application.
The timeline for notify-
ing students of admis-
sion varies.
The timeline for notify-
ing students of admis-
sion varies. You will be
notified beginning late-
March through early-
April.
The timeline for notify-
ing students of admis-
sion varies. Ask about
rolling admissions.
Scholarships Financial assistance for stu-
dents may include: grants,
low-interest loans, work-
study (on- or off-campus),
and various privately support-
ed scholarships for outstand-
ing students in particular
fields. There are some schol-
arship lists compiled with no
residency requirements, see
Section 4 of this guide for
more information.
Visit the campus
Scholarship Office and
inquire about scholar-
ships available to stu-
dents regardless of resi-
dency.
Some Community
Colleges have their own
scholarship foundation.
Visit the website for the
campus you wish to
attend or the campus
Scholarship Office for
more information.
For a list of scholarships
per UC campus visit:
www.universityofcalifor-
nia.edu/admissions/und
ergrad_adm/scholar-
ships.html
Many private colleges
and universities award
merit-based financial
aid to undocumented
students. Contact a
trusted person to
inquire about available
scholarships.
AB 540 Point
of Contact
Different offices may give
you different information
depending on their knowl-
edge of AB 540 policies.
Admissions Office Admissions Office Registrar's Office
Residency Deputy
Talk to a trusted adult
at any private college or
university that you plan
to attend, such as the
school’s Diversity/
Minority Recruiter.
Additional
Comments
When you call the admissions
office at a private uuniversity,
ask for a counselor who works
on minority recruitment and
retention. Then ask:
How does your office process
and evaluate undocumented
students’ applications?
Does your college offer any
financial aid for undocument-
ed students (e.g., merit-based
scholarships, need-based
scholarships, scholarships
specifically for undocument-
ed students)?
If so, how much do you pro-
vide?
Is there an application
process (e.g., interviews, let-
ters of recommendation,
etc.)? What is the timeline?
How many apply and how
many are awarded?
What are the requirements to
maintain the scholarship?
Can transfer students quali-
fy?
If not, has your office made
any plans to change your pol-
icy towards undocumented
students?
Any high school gradu-
ate is eligible for admis-
sion to a community
college. However, you
do not have to have a
high school diploma as
long as you are over
eighteen years of age
and can benefit from
instruction. High school
students may be per-
mitted to enroll for
"advanced placement"
courses provided they
have the consent of
their school principal
and their college presi-
dent and meet grade-
point requirements.
Students and their fami-
lies that have taken
steps to legalize their
status (e.g. permanent
resident, asylum, family
unity program, etc.),
may also apply under
Title 5, Chapter 2
"Residency Regulations
and Requirements for
Undocumented Aliens"
2.22; through this
process one would then
be eligible for state aid
(BOG Fee Waiver,
EOPS: grants, book
service, counseling),
provided any additional
requirements set forth
by those programs (e.g.
Low-income) are met.
Webpage citing AB 540 students may
receive a letter from the
"Central Processing
Center" asking them to
complete the residency
questions on the appli-
cation. STUDENTS
SHOULD IGNORE
THIS LETTER.
However, this is not to
be mistaken with the
Statement of Legal
Residence (SLR),
which must be filled
out.
Is your current/most
recent school a
California college, or
did you attend a
California high school
for two or more years?
(item 10 on UC applica-
tion) If a student
answers yes, then per
UC director of under-
graduate admissions
that student is a 'resi-
dent' for tuition purpos-
es.
Students applying to
private colleges/univer-
sities are often required
to complete a
CSS/Financial Aid
PROFILE. Many col-
leges, universities, grad-
uate and professional
schools, and scholarship
programs use the infor-
mation collected in the
PROFILE to help them
award nonfederal stu-
dent aid funds.
Some private colleges
and universities provide
financial aid to undocu-
mented students.
See Comments column
for more information.
Applying to and Succeeding in College 24
18
10
Section 4: Scholarship List The following are scholarships open to students regardless of
immigration status. You should contact each scholarship provider for current information.
Scholarship/ Fellowship
Program Deadline Contact: Address, Website or
Phone Award Further
Requirement
Scholarship for Prospective
Educators 01-Jan www.pdkintl.org, (812) 339-
1156 $1,000-
$5,000
Interest in Education
AAU Youth Excel Program
Scholarship Amateur Athletic 07-Jan www.aausports.org $2,000 High School Senior
Discover Card Tribute Award 09-Jan www.aasa.org/awards $2,500 High School Senior
Film & Fiction Scholarship 15-Jan his@gmu.ed $3,000 College Student
Scholarship for Prospective
Educators 15-Jan www.pdkintl.org $1,000 HS/College Student
Society of Plastic Engineers
Scholarship Grants 15-Jan www.4spe.org $1,000-
$4,000
HS/College Student
Adeline Rosenberg Memorial
Prize 15-Jan www.fcsymphony.org $2,000 HS/College Student
SPIE Ed. Scholarship in Optical
Science and Engineering 31-Jan www.spie.org/info/scholarships $1,000 HS/College Student
Must be a member
William Kappel International
Piano Competition 01-Feb (301) 405-ARTS $1,000 HS/College Student
CollegeNET Scholarship Search
Engine 01-Feb www.collegenet.com Varies Varies
BMI Student Composer Award 01-Feb www.bmi.org $1,000 HS/College Student
ISA Scholarship Program 01-Feb www.isa.org $1,000 College Student
Roothbert Fund, Inc. Grants and
Fellowships 02-Feb www.roothbertfund.org $2,000-
$3,000
HS/College Student
Best Teen Chef Culinary 14-Feb www.aii.edu $2,000 High School Senior
National Portfolio Review
Competition 14-Feb www.aii.edu $2,000 High School Student
Worldstudio Foundation
Scholarship Program 14-Feb www.worldstudio.org $1,000 HS/College Student
The D.A. Weber Scholarship
Fund 15-Feb www.cta.org, (650) 697-1400 $2,000 Visit website for info
Helenic Times Scholarship 15-Feb www.htsfund.org $1,000 HS/College Student
Academy of Motion Pictures
Students Academy Awards 15-Feb www.oscars.org/saa $2,000 HS/College Student
Society of Physics Students
Scholarships, Grants and
Internships
15-Feb www.spsnational.org $1,000 College & Member
Wally David Legal Memorial
Scholarship Fund 16-Feb (949) 553-4202 $1,000 Call for additional
information
Youth Opportunities Foundation
Scholarship 28-Feb P.O Box 45762 Los Angeles,
CA 90045, (310) 670-7664 varies Call for additional
information
19
11
Scholarship/ Fellowship
Program Deadline Contact: Address, Website or
Phone Award Further
Requirement
Mable & Lawrence S. Cooke
Scholarship
28-Feb
www.scouting.org/nesa/scholar
(972) 580-2034
Varies
Eagle Scout Member
Barbara Wiedner and Dorothy
Vandercook Peace Scholar. 01-Mar 16335 Patricia Way, Grass
Valley, CA 95949 (530) 273-
6018
$250-$500 Call for additional
information
Executive Women International
Scholarship Program 01-Mar www.executivewomen.org $1,000 High School Student
VM Ball Program 01-Mar afe@endowment.org $3,000 HS/College Student
Japanese American Citizen
League Entering Awards 01-Mar www.jacl.org, (415) 921-5225 $1,000.00 HS Japanese Student
National Association of
Pastorial Musicians Scholarship 05-Mar npmsing@npm.org $2,000 HS/College Student
OFA National Scholarship
Casey Family Awards 15-Apr www.orphan.org $2,000 HS/College Student
Glenn Miller International
Scholarship Search Engine 15-Mar www.glennmiller.org Varies HS Sr. & College Fresh.
Donna Reed Performing Arts
Schlolarships and Internships 15-Mar www.donnareed.org $1,000 HS Arts Student
United Agribusiness League
Scholarship Program 29-Mar www.ual.org $1,000-
$5,000
HS/College Student
Mervyn's Local Hero
Scholarship 30-Mar www.scholarshipamerica.org $1,000-
$10,000
Visit local Mervyn's
store/ High School Sr.
National Association of
Minority Engineers National
Fund
30-Mar www.namepa.org $1,000 HS/College Student
Princess Grace Scholarships,
Grants, and Fellowships 31-Mar www.pgfusa.com $5,000 HS/College Student
National Federation of the Blind
Scholarships 31-Mar www.nfb.org, (641) 236-3366 $3,000 For Blind Students Only
MANA: A National Latina
Organization 01-Apr www.hermana.org, (202) 833-
0060 DC trip /
varies
Visit website for
additional info
A.W. Bodine-Sunkist Memorial
Scholarship 01-Apr P.O. Box 7888, Van Nuys, CA
91409 $2,000 Minimum 3.0 G.P.A
Ramona's Mexican Food
Products Scholarships 01-Apr 13633 South Western Avenue,
Gardena CA 90249, (310) 323-
1950
$10,000 E.L.A.High School
student
The Fountainhead Essay Contest 01-Apr P.O.Box 57044 Irvine, CA
92619, (949) 222-6550 $500-
$5,000
11-12th grade student
Yoshiyama Award for
Exemplary Service to the
Community
01-Apr www.grantee.hitachi.org, (202)
457-0458 $5,000 Student must be
nominated
20
12
Scholarship/ Fellowship
Program Deadline Contact: Address, Website or
Phone Award Further
Requirement
A. Patrick Charnon Memorial
Scholarship
01-Apr
P.O. Box 208, San Francisco,
CA 94104,
www.cesresources.org
$1,500
Full-time undergraduate
Armenian Relief Society
Undergrad Scholarship 01-Apr www.arseastus.org $13,000 HS/College Student
Third Wave Foundation
Scholarships and Fellowships
01-Apr
www.thirdwavefoundation.org
$2,000
Women only
TELACU Engineering Award 05-Apr malvarado@telacu.com $2,000 11-12th grade student
Signet Classic Student
Scholarship Essay Contest 15-Apr 375 Hudson Street, New York,
NY 10014 $1,000 Essay Contest
Fountainhead College
Scholarship Essay Contest 15-Apr essay@ayrnrand.org $3,000 Visit website for
additional info
National Minority Jr. Golf
Scholarship 15-Apr www.nmjgsa.org $1,000 HS/College Student
Congressional Hispanic Caucus
Institute Scholarship Data base 15-Apr www.chciyouth.org, (210) 692-
1971 $1,500-
$5,000
HS/College Student
Sigma Lambda Beta Fraternity:
Tau Chapter Scholarship 18-Apr www.tauchapter.com $500 Will attend CSU
Dominquez Hills
MEChA de UC Riverside
Alumni Scholarship 18-Apr Mechapublicityucr@yahoo.com
Alejandro, (909) 787-3821 $300 Will attend UC
Riverside
Service Leadership Award 19-Apr 1465 E. 103rd Street, Los
Angeles, CA 90002, (323) 564-
7911
$2,000 High School Senior
International Music Competition
of ARD Munich 20-Apr www.ard-musikwetbewerb.de $5,000 College Student of 20-
24yrs. of age
National Sculpture Society
Scholarship 30-Apr www.nationalsculpture.org $1,000 Visit website for
additional info
UCLA Latino Alumni
Association Scholarship 01-May Isidro "Skid" Rodriguez, (310)
825-2420 $1,000 Will attend
UC Los Angeles
NAAS-USA Awards 01-May www.naas.org $1,000 High School Student
BEEM Foundation Scholarships 02-May http://beemfoundation.org $1,000 HS/College Student
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
National Youth of the Year 15-May 1230 W. Peachtree St. NW,
Atlanta, GA 30309 $1,500 High School Student
Foundation Research &
Education Undergrad Merit 30-May www.ahma.org $1,000 HS/College Student
Automotive Hall of Fame
Scholarship 30-May 21400 Oakwood Blvd.,
Dearborn, Michigan 48121,
(313) 240-4000
varies Interest in the
Automotive Career
Swackhamer Peace Essay
Contest 01-Jun www.wagingpeace.org, (805)
965-3443 $500-
$1,500
Visit website for
additional info
IFMA Foundation Scholarship 13-Jun www.IFMA.org $1,000 HS/College Student
21
13
Scholarship/ Fellowship
Program Deadline Contact: Address, Website or
Phone Award Further
Requirement
Salvadoran-American
Leadership & Educational Fund
30-Jun
1625 W. Olympic Blvd., Ste.
718, Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 480-1052 www.salef.org
$500-
$2,500
Latin American Student
Organic Way to Grow Essay
Contest 01-Jul www.mambosprouts.com $1,000 250 word essay
Rotary Foundation Cultural
Ambassadorial Scholarship 01-Jul www.rotary.org $12,000 College JR.
Mexican American Grocers'
Association 31-Jul www.maga.org, (323) 227-1565
405 San Fernando Rd., Los
Angeles, CA 90031
$250-
$1,000
Latino College
Sophomore
Golden State Minority
Foundation 01-Aug 1055 Wilshire Blvd. Ste 115 Los
Angeles, CA 90017 $5,000 11-12th grade student
Ellen & Federico Jimenez
Scholarship 15-Sep 634 S. Spring St. Los Angeles,
CA 90034, (213) 629-2512 x.
157
$2,000 Community or Cal State
student
Atlas Essay Competition 16-Sep www.aynrand.org/contests $1,000 College Student
Prudential Spirit of Community
Award 31-Oct www.prudential.com, (888) 450-
9961 $1,000-
$6,000
Must write an Essay
SAMMY Award 01-Nov www.whymilk.com $500 High School Athlete
San Jose Mercury News
Scholarship 01-Nov 750 Ridder Park Road, San Jose,
CA 95190, (408) 271-3689 $500 Must write an Essay
Guidepost Young Writer's
Program 15-Nov www.guidepost.com $1,000 HS Jr.& Sr.
Intel Science Talent Search 01-Dec www.discovery.com/dysc $5,000 High School Student
Gina Barchauer International
Artists Piano Competition 01-Dec www.bachauer.com/home.asp $4,000 HS/College Student
ASSE UPS Scholarship 01-Dec (847) 699-2929 $3,000 College Jr. & Sr.
Contemporary Record Society
National Perform Artists 10-Dec http://users.erols.com/crsnews $1,500 Visit website for
additional info
National Competition of
Composer Recordings 10-Dec (610) 544-5920 $1,000 HS/College Student
IACP Foundation Culinary
Scholarship 15-Dec www.iacpfoundation.org $1,000 High School Student
Worldfest Student Film Awards 15-Dec www.worldfest.org $1,000 HS/College Student
Knight Essay Contest SAR 28-Dec www.sar.org $1,000 HS/College Student
National Association of Black
Accountants National Scholar. 31-Dec www.nabainc.org $1,000 African descent Student
L. Ron Hubbard's Future
Illustrators Contest Quarterly www.writersofthefuture.com $1,000 HS/College Student
L. Ron Hubbard's Future
Writers Quarterly www.writersofthefuture.com $1,000 HS/College Student
San Antonio International Piano
Competition N/A www.saipc.org $15,000 Students of Ages 20-32
22
14
Scholarship/ Fellowship
Program Deadline Contact: Address, Website or
Phone Award Further
Requirement
Harold F. Wilkins Scholarship
Program N/A afe@endowment.org $1,000 HS/College Student
Joel Garcia Memorial
Scholarship
N/A
3800 S. Figueroa St., L.A.
90037, (213) 740-5263
$500-
$2,000
Interest in Journalism
Chicana/Latina Foundation N/A www.chicanalatina.org/resource
s N/A Call for additional
information
Concerned Media Prof.'s. Tony
Villegas Scholarship N/A P.O. Box 44034, Tucson AZ
85733 N/A Request an application
by Mail
Adolescence and Youth
Undergraduate Research Award N/A www.radcliffe.edu/murray/grant
s/index.htm, 9617) 495-8140 $1,000 College Student
Hispanic Scholarship Fund N/A 55 Second St., Ste 1500, San
Francisco, CA 94105, 1-877-
HSF-INFO, www.hsf.net
$1,000-
$2,500
H.S. Seniors
Migrant Farmworker
Scholarships N/A www.migrant.net, 1-800-245-
5681 $500-
$2,500
Visit website for
additional info
Nuclear Age Peace Foundation N/A 1187 Coast Cillage Rd, Ste 1
Santa Barbara, CA 93108, (805)
965-3443
$200-
$1,500
Poetry & Essay Contest
PFLAG-HATCH Youth
Scholarship Program N/A www.pflag.org, (202) 467-8180 varies LGBT Student
Poetry Contest Scholarship N/A www.poetry.com, (410) 356-
2000 $100-
$10,000
Visit website for
additional info
Comisión Femenil Scholarship N/A Attn: Ana Gonzalez, P.O Box
86013, Los Angeles, CA 90086 $1,000-
$1,500
Female of Latino
descent
Lambda Theta Nu Sorority Inc.,
Latina Scholarship Award N/A 1220 Rosecrans Av. #543, San
Diego, CA 92106
www.lambdathetanu.org
$200-
$1,000
Female of Latino
descent
Latin American Professional
Women's Foundation N/A P.O. Box 31532 Los Angeles,
CA 90031 $500 Female of Latino
descent
Estrada Scholarship Fund N/A Woodrow Wilson High School,
(323) 223-1133 $500 + Woodrow Wilson High
Student
Muniz Family Scholarship N/A Ramon Muniz, (818) 677-2351 $1,000 Will attend CSU
Northridge
TELACU Education Foundation N/A 5400 East Olympic Blvd., Ste
300 Los Angeles CA 90022 $500-
$2,500
Multiple Scholarships
Available
Los Angeles Junior Chamber of
Commerce Award N/A www.lajcc.org, (213) 482-1311 $2,000 Scholar Athlete Student
Scholastic Art & Writing
Awards N/A www.scholastic.com $100-
$5,000
7-12th grade student
Minority Scholarship N/A The Modesto Bee, P.O. Box
3928 Modesto, CA 95352, (209)
578-2091
$500 High School Senior
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