Chafee Grant Program

What is the Chafee Grant for foster youth?

If you are or were in foster care and have financial need, you may qualify for a California Chafee Grant which may be used for career, technical training, or college courses. You do not have to repay these funds once you have been granted. You may also be able to use your grant to help pay for child care, transportation, and rent while you're in school. The grant is in addition to any other state or federal aid and you may receive as much as $5,000.00 per school year. Funding is limited.

 
How do I qualify for the Chafee Grant?

To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a current or former foster youth who was a ward of the court, living in foster care, for at least one day between the ages of 16 and 18.
• 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.
• Have not reached your 26th birthday as of July 1st of the award year.
• Have not participated in the program for more than 5 years (whether or not consecutive).

The California Department of Social Services will determine your foster youth eligibility status.

How do I apply for Chafee Grant?

File two forms:

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. File online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. (Undocumented students may contact the Commission for further instructions.)
• California Chafee Grant Program Application. Submit a paper copy or an online application to the Commission.

For more information please visit chafee.csac.ca.gov or call the Commission at 1-888-224-7268 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:50 p.m.

How do I keep my Chafee Grant?

You must maintain the following Satisfactory Academic Standards to maintain financial aid:

• You must have a cumulative minimum GPA of 2.0
• You must complete at least 67% of the units you attempt.
• You must complete your degree or certificate within the maximum timeframe standard which is 150% of the number of required units.

The following flexibilities apply to the Chafee Grant only:

• If you fail to maintain standards for two consecutive terms: you must meet with the Resilient Scholars Coordinator to develop a plan for improving academic progress in order to continue to receive Chafee funds.
• Fail to maintain standards for three consecutive terms: you must meet with the Resilient Scholars Coordinator to update your plan in order to continue to receive Chafee funds.
• Fail to maintain standards for four consecutive terms: you will lose eligibility for Chafee funds but you may appeal. See Chafee SAP Appeal Policy for more information.

If you dis-enroll for one or more terms, you will regain eligibility for the Chafee Grant upon re-enrollment. 

Resilient Scholars Coordinator:
Alexis Villa
760-355-5713
alexis.villa@imperial.edu