The California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth, also called the Chafee Education and Training Voucher (ETV), helps certain current or former foster youth pay for college or career training. It may contribute to tuition, books, and some living costs within approved cost rules, but it is not automatic and is not open to every low-income student. Start by checking both foster-care history and academic and financial requirements.
The basic route includes having been in foster care as a court dependent or ward between ages 16 and 18. CDSS also lists certain adoption, non-relative guardianship, Kin-GAP, and tribal out-of-home placements when the required foster-care period is met. Applicants must not have turned 26 by July 1 of the award year and may not participate for more than five years total. Eligibility must be verified in the record; remembering time in care does not replace official documentation.
Apply in stages: submit the Chafee Grant Application, also complete FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA), and create or use a WebGrants for Students account to monitor the file. CSAC says the Chafee form is submitted once and remains valid until age 26; FAFSA or CADAA is still needed as appropriate for the aid year. Students must show financial need, attend an eligible program of at least one academic year at least half time, and make satisfactory academic progress. CSAC and CDSS coordinate verification with state or tribal records.
The agencies publish different maximums: CSAC’s student guide says up to $4,500 per year for up to five years, while CDSS’s ETV page says up to $5,000. CSAC also warns that funding shortages can reduce individual awards and create waitlists. These are published ceilings, not a guaranteed amount or a deposit to budget before an award notice. Check WebGrants and ask CSAC for the amount in your file.
The program may be used at approved schools in or outside California, but a participant can receive ETV from only one state at a time. If you live elsewhere and your foster-care case began in California, you may apply here if you are not receiving ETV from your current state. If you live in California but the case originated elsewhere, ask that state’s ETV coordinator and prepare the certification CDSS requires for interstate records. The school must verify attendance and satisfactory progress.
If the system cannot confirm eligibility, CSAC may request Foster Care Eligibility Certification or other documents; the state guide recommends contacting the campus Foster Youth Liaison early. Chafee is not a private scholarship with an application fee: use .ca.gov and mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov, and avoid intermediaries asking for money or login details. CSAC explains how to apply and check status; CDSS details ETV rules and out-of-state cases.
Official pages list CSAC Student Support at 888-224-7268 and CDSS Transition Age Youth Policy Unit at 916-651-7465; for Chafee status, CSAC lists chafee@csac.ca.gov and CDSS lists CFSChafeeETV@dss.ca.gov. Confirm which agency handles your question and protect your records. The final amount depends on file review, cost of attendance, and available funds.
Foster Youth Students — California Student Aid Commission.
Chafee Education and Training Vouchers Program — California Department of Social Services.
Chafee Grants — California Department of Social Services.
2026–27 Budget Priorities: Chafee Grant — California Student Aid Commission.
Information checked against official sources on October 12, 2026. Rates, limits, rules, and amounts apply to the dates stated and may change; the responsible agency or institution decides each case.
Chafee can provide a specific aid pathway, but foster-care verification, FAFSA/CADAA, and available funding must be confirmed with CSAC.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
California Student Aid Commission — Chafee Grant for Foster Youth
11120 International Drive, Suite 100, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
CSAC reviews FAFSA or CADAA, the Chafee application, and foster-care verification. Its student guide lists up to $4,500 per year, while CDSS lists up to $5,000; the actual award depends on need, cost, and available funds.
State grant for college and training for current or former foster youth
California Department of Social Services — Chafee Education and Training Vouchers
744 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
CDSS verifies foster-care history and explains ETV rules, while CSAC handles financial-aid review and status. Students living outside California may apply if their foster-care case originated in California and they are not receiving ETV from another state.
State agency administering Chafee education vouchers for foster youth
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
California Student Aid Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
California Department of Social Services · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
California Department of Social Services · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
California Student Aid Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
California Student Aid Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of California Student Aid Commission — Chafee Grant for Foster Youth ↗
Primary source
California Department of Social Services · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of California Student Aid Commission — Chafee Grant for Foster Youth ↗
Primary source
California Department of Social Services · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of California Student Aid Commission — Chafee Grant for Foster Youth ↗
Primary source
California Student Aid Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
California Department of Social Services · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of California Department of Social Services — Chafee Education and Training Vouchers ↗
Primary source
California Department of Social Services · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of California Department of Social Services — Chafee Education and Training Vouchers ↗
Primary source
California Department of Social Services · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.