California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth
Official information says eligible students who were in foster care between ages 16 and 18 may receive up to $4,500 per year for no more than five years. The program accepts applications through age 26 under its current rules. A school may ask for documentation of foster-care history, and students must maintain eligible enrollment and academic progress.
About California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth
The California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth is designed to help young people who experienced foster care pay for postsecondary study. It may be used at colleges and certain eligible career programs, but it does not replace review of other aid or guarantee full coverage.
Official information says eligible students who were in foster care between ages 16 and 18 may receive up to $4,500 per year for no more than five years. The program accepts applications through age 26 under its current rules. A school may ask for documentation of foster-care history, and students must maintain eligible enrollment and academic progress.
The annual maximum is not a guaranteed payment: the amount depends on available funding, cost, and enrollment, and may coordinate with other aid. CSAC lists Chafee alongside other California foster-youth resources, so ask for a complete aid review and do not confuse Chafee with additional Cal Grant support. Complete the Chafee application and the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application as applicable, and contact your campus foster-youth liaison. Prepare an official foster-care verification letter if the school requests one; CSAC says it may be obtained through the state Foster Care Ombudsperson’s Office. Check your account and campus dates each year.
Who it serves and what it can cover: Official information says eligible students who were in foster care between ages 16 and 18 may receive up to $4,500 per year for no more than five years. The program accepts applications through age 26 under its current rules. A school may ask for documentation of foster-care history, and students must maintain eligible enrollment and academic progress.
How to apply or get help: Complete the Chafee application and the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application as applicable, and contact your campus foster-youth liaison. Prepare an official foster-care verification letter if the school requests one; CSAC says it may be obtained through the state Foster Care Ombudsperson’s Office. Check your account and campus dates each year. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
Public student-aid program