California Chafee Grant
The California Chafee Grant is free money for current or former California foster youth to help pay for college or career and technical training. Chafee Grants don't have to be paid back. A Chafee Grant is a federal and state funded grant.
What is a California Chafee Grant?
The California Chafee Grant is free money for current or former California foster youth to help pay for college or career and technical training. Chafee Grants don't have to be paid back. You may also use your grant to pay for child care, rent and transportation while you're in school a Chafee Grant is a federal and state funded grant subject to yearly availability of funds.
Chafee Awards/Timing
Chafee checks are generally disbursed within the first three weeks of the semester. You will be notified by phone and email if and when your Chafee check is available for pick up. You must show Government Issued Picture ID (Driver's License, Passport or other State Issued ID) when you pick up the check.
To qualify, you must:
- Be a current or former foster youth*
- Not have reached your 26th birthday as of July 1 of the award year
- Have financial need
*To qualify, foster youth dependency of the court must have been established between the ages of 16 and 18. KinGap youth who are or were eligible to receive Independent Living Program services, guardian placements and voluntary placements may not be eligible for the California Chafee Grant unless court dependency was established between the ages of 16 and 18.
To apply you must submit the following applications/forms*:
- California Chafee Grant Program Application
- FAFSA Application or California Dream Act Application
- Shasta College Foster Youth Liaison will submit the Chafee Needs Analysis Report (NAR).*
*Note: Forms are year-specific. Be sure to complete the applications that correspond with the academic year you will be attending school.
Requirements to receive Chafee Funds:
- Enroll in an eligible public or private college or university or technical school.
- Enroll in a program at least one academic year long.
- Be enrolled at least half-time
- Attend class regularly and get good grades or you may lose your Chafee Grant funds
Annual Renewal Process:
If you receive a Chafee Grant, it may be renewed through your 26th birthday. You do not need to reapply for your Chafee Grant each year; however, you must submit a FAFSA and then contact the Foster Youth Liaison regarding additional paperwork.
The Commission may contact you for updated information. Be sure to respond to e-mails, letters or forms that you may receive.
Information courtesy of the California Student Aid Commission
Foster Youth Services through Shasta College
- Priority Registration: In accordance with AB194 Shasta College offers priority registration for Former Foster Youth ages 13 to 24. Contact Sandra Hamilton-Slane for priority registration.
- Priority Financial Aid Processing: Our office provides priority Financial Aid processing for Former Foster Youth ages 13 to 26 contact the Foster Youth Liaison at the phone or email address listed above. Contact Heidi Loftus for priority processing.
- Northern California Higher Ed Pathway: Supporting Former Foster Youth to a create clear and successful path to Chico State University
- SCI-FI* Program: Shasta College Inspiring and Fostering Independence
- EOPS: Equal Opportunity Programs and services
- PACE: Partners in Access to College Education, for students with disabilities
Important Contacts
Sandra Hamilton-Slane (Foster Youth Liaison)
sslane@shastacollege.edu
(530) 242-7799
Robert DePaul (Counselor-Main Campus)
rdepaul@shastacollege.edu
(530) 242-7549
Heidi Loftus (Student Services Specialist)
hloftus@shastacollege.edu
(530) 242-7713
Talia Shirer (Foster Youth Counselor - Tehama Campus)
tshirer@shastacollege.edu
(530) 529-8980, ext. 7215
Leticia Castillo-Ramos (SCI*FI Coordinator)
lramos@shastacollege.edu
(530) 242-7556