A scholarship mention catches your attention.

A plan tells you what to do next.

Palomar College’s Dreamer Success Program is promoting “Maximize Your DSIG Experience,” a virtual workshop scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, 2026.

Sessions are listed at 12:30–2 p.m. and 5–6:30 p.m. Confirm the registration time zone before choosing one.

For Vista and San Marcos students attending Palomar, the advertised goal goes beyond logging hours: explore how volunteer experience can develop skills, support the community and prepare students for careers after graduation.

The practical question is how to make that service fit your goals—and meet the requirements.

College Aid With a Service Commitment

DSIG stands for Dream Act Service Incentive Grant, administered by the California Student Aid Commission.

The agency publishes awards of up to $4,500 per academic year, with limits of $2,250 per semester or $1,500 per quarter.

Eligibility includes a California Dream Act Application, sufficient financial need and an active Cal Grant B award—or a Cal Grant A award meeting Cal Grant B eligibility.

Students also submit a separate DSIG application annually.

Published service requirements are 150 hours per semester or 100 per quarter at a qualifying organization. Service must relate to the student’s field of study or a community need.

Agency guidance says students begin volunteering and tracking hours after acceptance. Their placement may require additional clearance.

The workshop explains the opportunity. It does not replace the service.

Read Past the $1,500

Dream Co workshop publicity advertises a separate $1,500 scholarship opportunity.

Santa Rosa Junior College’s official announcement identifies Dream Co enrollment, session attendance and a short reflection as conditions.

Complete eligibility and selection rules were not independently verified. Neither was a particular Palomar student’s eligibility.

Ask what Dream Co enrollment requires and how recipients are selected. Attendance does not guarantee payment.

The scholarship and the state grant are different opportunities. Financial aid already involves enough paperwork without mixing up which rules belong where.

Local Volunteering Starts Before the First Hour

Students planning campus service at Palomar must complete volunteer paperwork, fingerprinting, a negative tuberculosis test result and receive clearance notification before beginning.

Departments cover the fingerprinting process’s costs. Confirm the requirements at your chosen organization.

Palomar’s financial-aid page also invites organizations seeking volunteers to contact studentjobs@palomar.edu. No specific current Vista or San Marcos placement was verified.

For students, the useful question is which approved opportunity fits their schedule and goals.

Helping the community deserves a workable plan, especially when those hours must count toward a grant.

Get Current Answers Locally

Palomar’s DSIG page was last modified August 6, 2024, and still references 2024–25 eligibility. Confirm current application procedures before following those instructions.

The Dreamer Success Program offers guidance at dream@palomar.edu or 760-744-1150, extension 3634.

Its office is Cariño Dream Village, SU-1, on the San Marcos campus. The October 7 workshop is virtual.

Questions About DSIG and the Workshop:

When is the workshop?

Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the listed times of 12:30–2 p.m. or 5–6:30 p.m. Confirm the time zone.

Does attendance guarantee $1,500?

No. Complete scholarship eligibility and selection rules remain unverified.

How much can DSIG provide?

Up to $4,500 per academic year for eligible students meeting program requirements.

Who can help locally?

Palomar’s Dreamer Success Program: dream@palomar.edu or 760-744-1150, extension 3634.