Foster Youth Students
Students who are part of the foster care system may be eligible for financial aid
There are grants specifically designed to provide free money to foster youth for college or career training. The resources below can get you started down the road to aid and a successful educational journey.
Learn more about How to Apply for the different types of aid detailed below.
Cal Grant B for Foster Youth
Cal Grant B for Foster Youth program expands aid for students who are current and former foster youth to be eligible for increased Cal Grant eligibility.
- Foster youth students may renew their Cal Grant B awards for the equivalent of eight years of full-time attendance in an undergraduate program.
- Foster youth students have until their 26th birthday to apply for the Cal Grant High School Entitlement Award.
- Foster youth students attending a California Community College can apply for a High School Entitlement award through September 5th (rather than March 2nd).
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CAL GRANT B FOSTER YOUTH AWARD
Questions about Cal Grant B for Foster Youth? Send an email to studentsupport@csac.ca.gov or give us a call at 1-888-224-7268, Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Friday 8:30 am – 3:00 pm.
Chafee Foster Youth Grant Program
Chafee Foster Youth Grant Program is a federal and state funded grant subject to yearly availability of funds.
- This program is administered by the Commission through an interagency agreement with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).
- Chafee provides current or former California foster youth up to $5,000 per year for education expenses at an eligible California or out of state college.
- Awards may be used for postsecondary education including career and technical training.
Chafee Grant for Foster Youth website
Questions about the Chafee Grant for Foster Youth? Send an email to chafee@csac.ca.gov.
Other Resources
Students with Dependent Children
The Students with Dependents Children Program increases the Cal Grant award beginning in the 2019-20 academic year for students attending a University of CA (UC), California State University (CSU), or California Community College (CCC), or Private non-profit institutions.
- Must have dependent children that are under 18 years of age, and for whom they provide more than half of their financial support for during the academic year.
- Are eligible to receive an access award of up to $6,000 for Cal Grant A and B recipients, and $4000 for Cal Grant C recipients, in addition to the Cal Grant tuition and fee amounts.
- Students With Dependent Children (SWD) attending a University of CA, California State University, California Community College, or Private non-profit institution can qualify for an increased award amount.
Questions about the Students with Dependents Program? Send an email to studentsupport@csac.ca.gov or give us a call at 1-888-224-7268, Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Friday 8:30 am – 3:00 pm.
John Burton Advocates for Youth improves the quality of life for youth in California who have been in foster care or homeless by advocating for better laws, training communities to strengthen local practices and conducting research to inform policy solutions.
Get more information about the following resources: Educational Resources, Housing Resources, Healthcare Resources, and Extended Foster Care, and Resources for Parenting Foster Youth.
JOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH WEBSITE
Department of Social Services
The Department of Social Services provides housing support, financial assistance and other resources for California’s foster youth. In California, foster care benefits don’t end at 18. When you turn 18, you have new options for supportive housing, financial assistance, and more, up to the age of 21. Visit the department’s Youth Page for more educational and supportive resources.
Questions? Send an email to FosterCareEducation@dss.ca.gov
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES WEBSITE
Campus Support Programs
Many campuses have programs specifically to support current and former foster youth. In addition to these programs, colleges offer other support resources that may target specific students, such as student parents or students with disabilities, or that may be available to all students such as tutoring or transfer counseling.