The California Chafee Grant Program provides financial assistance to current and former foster youth to use towards vocational training or a degree program. Students are awarded up to $2,250 each semester. A student's receipt of a Chafee Grant award shall not exceed five years (whether or not consecutive) and is not guaranteed, due to limited funding.
Eligibility requirements for the Chafee Grant Program:
- Be a current or former foster youth who was a ward of the court, living in foster care, between the ages of 16 and 18.
- Not have reached their 26th birthday as of July 1st of the award year.
- Be enrolled in at least 6 units during the semester awarded
Students must submit a separate application to be eligible for the Chafee Grant. Applications can be submitted here.
About State of California Financial Aid Programs
You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) for AB540 students to apply for state financial aid programs. You must be a California resident to be eligible for state aid. If you are in default on a student loan or owe a refund on any federal grants, you are ineligible for state aid other than the California College Promise Grant.