There are many services and resources available for undocumented students at Pasadena City College. These resources aim to ensure student success and can help provide support and guidance for individuals who are navigating their immigration status and the challenges that come with it. These resources can help individuals connect with others who have similar experiences and provide a safe and supportive space. 

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Financial Aid and Scholarships

We are dedicated to supporting undocumented students achieve their educational goals. We provide assistance with the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) and all additional financial aid forms.

Our center also proudly funds our Ready Behind Degrees Scholarship to help students achieve their educational goals. Additionally, we can assist students apply for external scholarships to help cover educational costs. We are committed to supporting undocumented students every step of the way and helping them succeed.

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Career Development Opportunities

The Dream Resource Center offers career development and navigation support, such as career counseling, job search assistance, and workshops and seminars on topics related to career planning and development. In addition, we are partnered with the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to offer the California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program (DSIG) at Pasadena City College. DSIG awards up to $4,500 per academic year to those who qualify to perform community or volunteer service.

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Transfer Support

Our center is here to help students navigate the transfer process; We work with success coaches that can assist with:

  • University Exploration
  • Transfer Applications
  • Financial Aid Forms
  • Undocumented resources at 4-year institutions
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Academic Support and Educational Counseling

Our mission is to support students with academic support and educational counseling to develop strategies for academic success. We have a center counselor and tutor who understand the barriers undocumented students face and are available for appointments to provide guidance and their expertise. They provide services in:

  • Comprehensive Educational Plans  
  • Exploration of major/career  
  • Priority Registration 
  • Transcript evaluations 
  • Academic probation and/or Reinstatement after dismissal 
  • Submission of degree petitions 
  • Certificate, degree, and transfer requirements 
  • Provide Feedback on Essays 
  • Grammer and Punctuation Check 
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AB540/ Admissions

Pasadena City College supports undocumented students throughout their journey in education. Immigration status does not affect admission eligibility.

The California Nonresident Tuition Exemption commonly known as AB 540, exempts certain students from paying nonresident tuition (higher than resident tuition) and/or allows them to apply and receive state aid at certain California public and private colleges.

California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request/AB540 Form

DRC staff can assist you with completing the AB540 form and any questions you may have about eligibility and admission to Pasadena City College.

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Events and Celebrations

The Dream Resource Center hosts a series of events to ensure our students are equipped with the tools to have a successful college experience.

Events include:

  • Undocu-Orientation for Undocumented First-Year Students  
  • The Annual Dream Resource Fair in collaboration with undocumented student programs at 4-year colleges & universities.  
  • Undocu-Chats for students looking to get support about ongoing stressors impacting undocumented students.
  • UndocuGraduation, a ceremony for graduating undocumented, formerly undocumented, and mixed-status students
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Immigration Legal Services

CARECEN provides free immigration legal services to PCC students, staff, and faculty. Attorneys are onsite on a bi-weekly basis for general immigration-related consultations, DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) renewals, and general assistance in filling out immigration forms, such as family-based petitions.

Some of the services include:

  • General Legal Consultations
  • DACA Renewal/Advance Parole
  • Consultation for a Family-Based Petition
  • Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)
  • Naturalization
  • Green Card Renewal
  • Citizenship
  • Screening for other forms of relief

Book Your Appointment Today!

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Health and Mental Wellness


The Dream Resource Center is a space where students can access mental health support and peer support. We host recurring UndocuChat sessions, a peer support group for undocumented and mixed-status students to share their experiences, build community, and learn coping strategies to relieve stress and anxiety.

Student Health Services provides students with health care services and resources for their medical needs. From treatment of acute injuries and illnesses to health consultations and assessments, our services and resources are free or offered at a low cost to all currently enrolled and attending PCC students.

Services include:

  • Medical consultation with licensed health professionals
  • Low-cost Tuberculosis tests and flu vaccinations (available for free during our Flu Shot Clinic events)
  • Nutritional Counseling
  • Condoms
  • Band-Aids/Alcohol swabs 
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Basic Needs

We offer assistance to undocumented students in need. We define NEED as a situation where students are faced with financial challenges and would otherwise have limited resources to supplement their meals, transportation, etc.

Our goal is to help supplement basic needs and promote sustainability for overall student wellness and success.

We can assist with the following:

  • School supplies
  • Book Vouchers
  • Grocery vouchers
  • Gas Cards
  • Emergency Grants