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     USS Equity Grant

    The purpose of the USS Equity Grant is to remove financial barriers that keep undocumented students from participating in opportunities that support their professional development, preparation for graduate school, and leadership development.  

  • USS Equity Grant Overview

    Review the following information before submitting your application.

  • When is the Equity Grant available:   

    • The Equity Grant covers eligible expenses during the 2026–2027 academic year, which ends on June 11, 2027.
    • The application deadline is May 23, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be considered.
    • Students must be actively enrolled at UC San Diego when the expense is paid and when participating in the professional development activity. Graduating students must use their funding before their graduation date.
    • Activities must generally take place during the same academic quarter in which the application is submitted. For example, if you apply during Winter Quarter, your activity must take place during Winter Quarter.

    Eligibility 

    • An undergraduate or graduate student with current enrollment at UC San Diego for the current academic year in which you apply. UC San Diego Extended Studies student are not eligible to apply.
    • Ineligible for federal financial aid (e.g., Pell Grants, Direct Loans).
    • Have AB 540 California Non-Resident Tuition Exemption.
    • Have a California Dream Act (CADAA) Application on file.
    • Demonstrate sufficient financial need.

    How Much Funding Can I Receive?

    • Eligible students may receive up to $500 per academic year, depending on available funding.
    • You may request the full $500 for one activity or divide it among multiple eligible expenses throughout the academic year.
    • For example, you could receive $250 toward graduate school application fees in Fall Quarter and $250 toward a GRE preparation course in Spring Quarter.

    What Can the Equity Grant Cover? 

    The Equity Grant supports eligible professional development opportunities, including:

    • Conference Registration Fees: Registration costs for conferences that support your academic or professional development.
    • Graduate School Preparation and Exams: Eligible expenses related to graduate school preparation, including application fees, entrance exams, and preparation courses.

    How Does the Application & Payment Process Work? 

    • Step 1: Submit Your Application
      • Complete the Equity Grant application and provide details about the activity, cost, and payment by the deadline.
    • Step 2: Wait for a Decision
      • Our team will review your application and notify you via email whether your request has been approved or denied.
    • Step 3: Schedule a Payment Appointment
      • If approved, you will receive instructions via email to schedule an appointment with a USS team member.
    • Step 4: Complete Your Payment
      • During your appointment, a USS team member will assist you with registration or purchasing and pay the approved expense directly on your behalf.

    Important Reminders

    • Apply early! We strongly recommend submitting your application at least two weeks before your payment or registration deadline to allow sufficient time for application review and scheduling.
    • Equity Grant funds are not given directly to students, and students should not pay for expenses themselves expecting reimbursement.
    • USS staff may not have immediate appointment availability. We cannot guarantee expedited application reviews or appointments to accommodate approaching deadlines.

  • What You’ll Need to Apply

  • Before starting your application, please have the following information and materials ready:

    • Activity Details: Name and brief description of the conference, professional development opportunity, or activity you are requesting funding for.
    • Cost of Activity: Total cost of the expense and the amount of funding you are requesting.
    • Payment Deadline: The date by which registration or payment must be completed.
    • Registration or Payment Link: A direct website link where USS staff can review the cost and complete payment on your behalf.
    • Statement of Purpose: A brief explanation of how this opportunity will support your academic, personal, or professional development.

    Important Reminder: Equity Grant funds are not distributed directly to students. If approved, you will be required to meet with a USS team member to complete payment on your behalf. We strongly recommend submitting your application at least two weeks before your payment deadline, as expedited processing and meetings cannot be guaranteed.

  • Quick Overview of the Equity Grant: 

    Expenses Covered Expenses not covered
    • Graduate school application fees (max. 3 per academic year) 
    • Graduate school test preparation course (max. 1 program per academic year)
    • Graduate school exam fees (GRE, LSAT MCAT etc.) (max. 1 program per academic year)
    • Graduate School Test Preparation Materials. See the message below. 
    • Professional conference attendance fees
    • UCSD extension courses geared toward professional development, grad school test prep courses, or leadership development
    • Laptops or ipads/tablets
    • Professional clothing attire
    • Professional headshots or pictures
    • Degree-related expenses such as student fees, tuition, and books/materials for classes are not covered.
    • Professional conference travel expenses (lodging, travel, and meals). 
    • Expenses for activities taking place in future academic years.
    • Expenses purchased prior to application approval (i.e. no retroactive reimbursements)

  • Student Information

  • Academic standing*
  • Check each box that applies to you. Leave blank if none of the options apply.*

  • CA Dream Act Confirmation 

    Upload a PDF of your current financial aid package in PDF format. (see sample). Submitting the document in a form different from PDF will cause delays in your acceptance. 

    Here is a tutorial for how you can access your financial aid.

    If you are a graduate student, please complete the CA Dream Act if you have not done so already or provide an alternative document showing that you have been approved as AB540.

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  • Request Details

  • Is this your first time applying for the Equity Grant?
  • What is the registration or payment deadline?*
     - -
    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
  • List all activity-related expenses*

  • Data Protections

    We take privacy seriously. Information provided on this form will not be shared with government agencies, including immigration enforcement agencies, unless required by law or for internal reporting purposes.

  • Program Agreement

    The funding used for this program requires that it be used to support the professional development and career readyness needs of UC San Diego students who identify as a recipient of AB 540, CA Dream Act, and/or AB 132. 

    By checking the box below you consent to use the funding provided, if any is provided to you, for the purpose intended by the grant. 

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