Q: I am a social worker assisting an 18 year-old in foster care who will graduate from high school this spring and wants to attend community college in the fall. She missed the March 2nd Cal Grant deadline. What does this mean for her? Is she no longer eligible for financial aid?
A: By missing the March 2nd Cal grant deadline, this youth is not guaranteed a Cal Grant, which is up to $1,256 at a community college, $5,472 at a CSU, $12,240 at a UC. She may still may receive a Cal Grant, but instead of being entitled to it, she may be eligible for remaining Competitive CalGrant funds, which are available to community college students who apply by September 2.
There are still several important forms of financial aid available to her; it is definitely not too late to apply for financial aid.
First, there is the Pell grant, which provides up to $5,775 and the Federal Supplemental Educational Grant Opportunity, which ranges from $100 and $4,000 a year, depending on the student’s financial need, when she applies, the amount of other aid she gets, and the availability of funds at her school. Most importantly for foster youth, there is the Chafee Education and Training Voucher, which provides up to $5,000 for foster youth in higher education.
To receive these forms of financial aid, this youth should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid as soon as possible and also complete the Chafee Application.
AB 12 Question of the Week 