California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth
California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) with the California Department of Social Services
Up to $5,000 a year ($4,500 for 2026-27) for current and former foster youth at California colleges, career schools, or eligible out-of-state schools.
- How much
- up to $5,000 per year; up to $4,500 for 2026-27
- Who qualifies
- Current or former foster youth (ward of the court in foster care at least one day between ages 16 and 18)
- Under age 26 as of July 1 of the award year; enrolled at least half-time in a program at least four months long; making Satisfactory Academic Progress.
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students, transfer students
- When to apply
- Open now · due July 31, 2027 Application opens October 1 before the academic year and is accepted until July 31 of the academic year; first-come, first-served
- How to apply
- Submit the FAFSA or CADAA each year, plus the one-time Chafee Grant application (chafee.csac.ca.gov)
- Check WebGrants 4 Students
- If your foster care record shows 'Incomplete', send a Foster Care Verification Form to your county ILP coordinator
- What you'll need
- FAFSA + state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (csac.ca.gov)
The details
Up to $5,000 per academic year ($2,500 per semester / $1,667 per quarter); for 2026-27 CDSS set the award at up to $4,500 ($2,250 per semester / $1,500 per quarter) to pay more students and shrink the waitlist. Usable at any eligible California college, university, or career/technical school; students at schools in other states may also qualify. Up to 5 years (not necessarily consecutive) or until age 26 as of July 1 of the award year. Funding is limited and paid first-come first-served by ranking: paid renewals under 25, then new/non-paid renewals turning 25, then non-paid renewals, then new students. Unclaimed awards are recycled after 30 days.
More money from California
- Cal Grant A2026-27 max: UC $15,588 (2026-27 cohort), CSU $6,838, CCC bachelor's program $3,024, private institutions $4,000-$9,358
- Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG)up to $8,000 per year (15+ units/semester); $2,596 per year (12-14.99 units/semester)
- Cal-HBCU Transfer Grant Programup to $5,000 (one-time)
- Cal Grant C2026-27 max: community college $1,094 (books/supplies); private schools $2,462 tuition/fees + $547 books/supplies
- Cal Grant B2026-27: $1,648 access award (first year); from year two also tuition/fees up to $15,588 at UC, $6,838 at CSU, $4,000-$9,358 at private schools
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Arizona, Nevada, Oregon
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
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