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.

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 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 a eligible college or vocational school
• You must be enrolled at least half time (6 units)
• You must be enrolled in a eligible course of study that is at least one year long
• You must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (Financial Aid Standards of Progress)
• You were in California foster care between your 16th and 18th birthday
• You must not have reached your 22nd birthday as of July 1, of the award year (for 2008-2009 July 1, 2008)

How do I Apply?

Two forms are needed to apply for the Chafee Grant:

• The California Chafee Grant Program Application.  Apply online at:  www.chafee.csac.ca.gov

• The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  The FAFSA can be completed online at:  www.fafsa.ed.gov

What happens after I Apply?

• The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) will verify you Independent Living Program (ILP) status. 

• The financial aid office will determine your unmet financial need and financial aid eligibility.

• The California Student Aid Commission will review your FAFSA and your Chafee Grant Application. 

• Once all of the above is completed, the California Student Aid Commission will send you a letter notifying you of your award status.

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

This website is being updated and maintained by the Financial Aid Office: (661) 362-3215