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Dreamer Success
Interest Form
About the Dreamer Success Program

The Dreamer Success Program supports eligible undocumented and mixed-status students by helping them navigate college, strengthen academic skills, and access resources across Palomar College. The program is dedicated to support eligible undocumented and mixed‑status students by helping them navigate college with confidence, build strong academic foundations, and access resources across Palomar College. Working alongside campus departments and community partners, the program focuses on academic support, college knowledge, and student empowerment, helping students build confidence and move forward in their educational goals. 

Mission & Purpose

The Dreamer Success Program is committed to creating an environment where eligible undocumented students can access equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist educational opportunities. The purpose of the program is to share knowledge, teach college-going and academic skills, and build social capital so students can successfully navigate college systems and make informed decisions about their education. Through this supplemental, academic-focused support, students are empowered to shape their own pathways toward academic and life goals. 

Our Role on Campus

The Dreamer Success Program works, in collaboration with Palomar College departments and community partners, to better serve undocumented and mix-status students in our program. The program serves as a point of guidance and connection, helping students navigate academic processes, understand college systems, and access appropriate services across campus. 

Program Eligibility and Student Requirements

Undocumented (Undocumented, DACA, TPS, Asylum, U & T Visas, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, SIJS) OR Mixed- status students AND must be enrolled in at least one unit course at Palomar College 

Student Responsibilities

Meet with the Dreamer Success Academic Counseling once per semester 

Meet with Dreamer Success staff once per semester 

Attend two workshops per semester  

Program Services

Services for Mixed-status students

  • A space in the Cariño Dream Village: Study area, access to computers and printing
  • Academic counseling appointments and advising services
  • Guidance with California Dream Act (CADAA) and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Referrals to other student programs at Palomar College
  • Workshops offered by the Dreamer Success Program 
  • Bilingual staff available in English and Spanish
  • Emergency Aid (Depending on funding availability)

Undocumented students with confirmed AB540 status and filed CADAA OR trying to meet AB540/CADAA eligibility 

Students in this category receive all the services provided to students mixed-status students

  • Educational Supplies
  • Transportation and food assistance
  • Book vouchers
  • AB-540 guidance
  • Professional development grant (depending on fund availability)
  • Guidance on Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) for eligible students
How to Join the Dreamer Success Program

Submit an Interest form

Book an Intake Meeting

Meet student requirements each semester

Book an Appointment with our Staff

If you are NOT a current Dreamer Success Student, please submit an interest form before booking an appointment.

The Dreamer Success Program offers academic counseling and staff appointments for individualized support and guidance for current and prospective students. We offer both, in-person and virtual appointments. *Citas pueden ser en español.

Book with the Dreamer Success Coordinator or Staff for:

  • AB 540 guidance
  • Financial aid opportunities and guidance
  • Dreamer Success Program (DSP) intake appointment or DSP semester Check-in
  • Information on Palomar College resources available for undocumented students
  • Guidance on the Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) for eligible students
Book an Appointment with Dreamer Success Staff

Book with the Dreamer Success Program Academic Counselor for:

  • Assistance with SAP Appeal (Satisfactory Academic Progress)
  • Career – interpreting personality assessments, developing a career plan, income-generating opportunities (e.g., starting a business, entrepreneurship)
  • Class Registration
  • Education plan assistance
  • Financial aid opportunities and guidance
  • Graduation Petition
  • Major Change
  • Transfer guidance – major preparation and general education pathways
Book an Appointment with the Counselor
AP3415- Immigration Enforcement Activities

AP 3415 outlines how Palomar College responds to immigration enforcement activity on campus.  For questions related immigration enforcement on campus please contact campus police Campus Police 760-891-7273, or x 2289, or policedispatchers@palomar.edu and/or the office of the president 760-744-1150 x 7509 or 2826 or officeofthepresident@palomar.edu 

Admissions and Financial Aid 

The Dreamer Success program provides AB540, CADAA and FAFSA guidance to students in our program. However, please be advised that the review and determination of AB540 along with financial aid eligibility is under the purview of the Admission and Financial Aid Office. We recommend that students make initial contact with these departments.  

Basic Needs

This program connects students to resources they need to achieve their educational goals. They provide on-campus resources regarding food and clothing assistance. They also connect students to off-campus resources for housing, financial support, and beyond. Students impacted by immigration enforcement needing food and/or housing support can contact basic needs at: studentlifeandleadership@palomar.edu or by phone: (760) 744-1150, ext. 2594  

Behavioral Health Counseling Services

Provides confidential, culturally informed mental health counseling services for Palomar College students Monday through Friday. These services are FREE for registered Palomar College students as part of the student health fee each semester. Students disclosing or experiencing high level stress or fear due to immigration-related enforcement can access case management through behavioral health services. To schedule an appointment, call 760-891-7531 or stop by NB-2 on the San Marcos campus.

Free Immigration Legal Services

Palomar College students, staff and faculty are eligible to receive free immigration legal services from Higher Education Legal Services (HELS) accredited representatives. They can assist with DACA renewals, naturalization applications, exploring possible immigration relief options, and much more. Joining the Dreamer Success Program is not a requirement to access Free immigration legal services.  If you have any questions or concerns about HELS, please contact them directly. 

To book an appointment visit HELS website or call (858) 637-3345. HELS is able to provide assistance in multiple languages. 

Confidentiality

Student personal identifiable information (e.g., Student ID numbers, home address, phone numbers, etc.) is kept confidential. We do not share information with third parties (e.g., extended family, non-profits, government agencies, etc.)

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