California Chafee Grant

The California Chafee Grant provides financial aid to current or former California Foster Youth to help pay for college or career and technical training. They do not need to be repaid. You may use your grant to pay for tuition and fees, books and supplies, food, housing, transportation, and personal expenses while you're in school. 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be a current or former foster youth*.
  • Be under the age of 26 as of July 1 of the award year.
  • Demonstrate financial need based on your FAFSA or CADAA. 

*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.

How to Apply

Complete all of the following:

Once your applications are submitted, Shasta College’s Financial Aid Office will verify your eligibility and request funds from the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).

Requirements to receive Chafee Funds

To maintain your eligibility and receive Chafee Grant funds, you must:

  • Be enrolled at least half-time (6 or more units).
  • Enroll in a degree program that is at least one academic year in length.
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
  • If you do not meet SAP requirements, you may submit a Chafee Appeal to regain eligibility. This process is coordinated through the SCI*FI Program and the Financial Aid Office.

Contact the SCI*FI team or Heidi Loftus in Financial Aid for help with submitting your appeal.

Chafee Disbursements

Chafee Grant funds are typically disbursed several weeks after the semester’s census date. However, they may be awarded and disbursed throughout the year as the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) determines eligibility. Please note: Shasta College cannot release Chafee Grant funds until they have been received from CSAC. Funds will be disbursed to eligible students as soon as they become available.

Annual Renewal Process

If you receive a Chafee Grant, it may be renewed each year by filling out the FAFSA or CADAA. The renewal is subject to age requirements and the school certification process.

The Commission may contact you for updated information. Be sure to respond to e-mails or forms that you may receive.

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 by email 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 (Foster Youth Counselor-Main Campus)
rdepaul@shastacollege.edu
(530) 242-7549

Heidi Loftus (Student Services Specialist – Financial Aid)
hloftus@shastacollege.edu
(530) 242-7713

Talia Shirer (Foster Youth Counselor - Tehama Campus)
tshirer@shastacollege.edu
(530) 529-8980, ext. 7215

Leticia Castillo-Ramos (Student Services Specialist - SCI*FI) 
lramos@shastacollege.edu
(530) 242-7556

Steve Williams (Student Services Specialist - SCI*FI) 
swilliams@shastacollege.edu
(530) 242-7532