Financial Aid Programs
Cal Grant Programs
The Cal Grant is a California-specific financial aid allocation that does not need to be paid back. Cal Grant applicants must apply for the FAFSA or CADAA by the deadline and meet all eligibility, financial, and minimum GPA requirements of either program. Grants are for students attending University of California, California State University or California Community College, or qualifying independent and career colleges or technical schools in California.
Chafee Grant for Youth
Free Money for Foster Youth for College or Career Training
The Chafee Grant program is available to any applicant who is or was in foster care between the ages of 16-18. Applicants may qualify for $5,000 a year for career and technical training.
Middle Class Scholarship (MCS)
For Undergraduates and Students Pursuing a Teaching Credential
The Middle Class Scholarship is for undergraduates and students pursuing a teaching credential with family assets up to $191,000 and income up to $191,000.
Ten things you need to know
1. The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) provides undergraduate students, including students pursuing a teaching credential, with family income up to $191,000 and assets up to $191,000 a scholarship to attend University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) campuses.
California Military Department GI Bill Award Program
If you are an active member in the California National Guard, the State Military Reserve, or the Naval Militia you may be eligible for a state-funded program designed to provide an educational incentive to improve your skills, competencies, and abilities.
To learn more, watch this video and visit the California Military Department GI Bill Award Program (CMD GI Bill) website.
Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant Program
Need-Based Grant for LEPD-Eligible Undergraduates
The Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents (LEPD) Grant Program provides need-based educational grants to dependents and spouses of employees who lost their lives in the line of duty or were totally disabled as a result of an accident or injury caused by external violence or physical force incurred in the performance of duty in the following professions:
John R. Justice (JRJ) Program
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is currently not accepting any new applications for this program. Due to the large amount of applicants who applied during the original year of funding/implementation (many of which are still pending admittance into the program), and the significant funding reduction to this program over the years, Cal OES is unable to open the JRJ program for any new applicants.
All inquiries regarding the JRJ program can be sent to: jrj@caloes.ca.gov
Golden State Teacher Grant Program
For Students Considering a Teaching Credential and Career in California
The California Student Aid Commission is now accepting Golden State Teacher Grant applications for the 2021-22 award year.
The Golden State Teacher Grant program (GSTG) is for students who are currently enrolled in a teacher preparation program to earn a credential in a high need field and commit to teach at a priority school, in California for four years, within five years after completing a teacher preparation program.
California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program
Overview for Students
The California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program (DSIG) encourages California Dream Act Application (CADAA) students with a Cal Grant B award to perform community or volunteer service. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) will award up to $3,000 per academic year (up to $1,500 per semester or up to $1,000 per quarter) to 2,500 eligible students.