California Chafee Grant Program

The California Chafee Grant is available for current or former foster youth to use for career and technical training or college courses. The Chafee Grant Program, also known as the Education and Training Voucher (ETV), is a federally funded program and is subject to the availability of federal funds each year.

How Much Can A Student Receive?

The California Chafee Grant Program may provide up to $5,000 per academic year of free money to foster youth and former foster youth to use for college courses or a vocational school training. The student will receive an award based on their unmet financial need, up to the maximum award amount of $5,000.

What do I need to Apply?

You must be enrolled in an eligible college or vocational school.
You must be enrolled at least half time (6 units).
You must be in a program at least one year in length.
You must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) SAP Policy.
You must have financial need.
You were in California foster care between your 16th and 18th birthday.
If you are/were in Kin-GAP, a non-related legal guardianship, or were adopted, you are eligible only if you were a dependent or ward of the court, living in foster care, for at least one day between the ages of 16 and 18.
You must not have reached your 26th birthday as of July 1, of the award year.
You have not participated in the program for more than 5 years (whether or not consecutive).

How do I Apply?

Two forms are needed to apply for the Chafee Grant:

The California Chafee Grant Program Application. Apply online at: https://chafee.csac.ca.gov
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application

What happens after I Apply?

The California Student Aid Commission will review your FAFSA or California Dream Act Application and your Chafee Grant Application.
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) will verify your Independent Living Program (ILP) status.
The financial aid office will determine your unmet financial need and financial aid eligibility.
Once all of the above is completed, the California Student Aid Commission will notify you of your award status.

Awarding Process

The California Student Aid Commission, sorts the student's completed applications by application date and awards are offered based on the following priority selection criteria:

Paid renewal students who have not reached their 26th birthday as of July 1st of the award year.
New and non-paid renewal students who will be 25 years old as of July 1st of the award year.
New and non-paid renewal students who have dependents.
New and non-paid renewal students who have an unmet need of $5000 or more.
New and non-paid renewal students who have an unmet need of less than $5000.

Upon selection for an award, students are notified by the California Student Aid Commission.

Note that the amount of the Chafee Grant, when combined with a Pell Grant, may not exceed the student's cost of attendance.

Did You Know?

Did you know that there are new SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress) rules for Chafee grant recipients?

What are the new SAP standards?

If a student fails to demonstrate SAP, as defined by the institution where the student is enrolled, for two consecutive semesters (or equivalent enrollment), the student may continue to receive a Chafee grant but must meet with an appropriate college staff member to develop a plan for improving academic progress in order to receive their remaining Chafee grant funds.
Under this new rule, you may still be eligible to receive your Chafee grant even if your financial aid is terminated. While it is not required we strongly encourage you to file your financial aid appeal as to be able to maximize your financial aid awards.

Did you know there is a Foster Youth Laison in the Financial Aid Department?