California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth
Offered by California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) / California Department of Social Services
- Award
- $4,500 – $5,000
- Deadline
- Renewable
- Yes
Who can apply
- Intended for
- Current or former foster youth
- Enrollment
- at least half-time in program at least 4 months in length
Conditions worth reading twice
Former foster youth who were in California foster care between ages 16-18 as dependent/ward of court; must not reach 26th birthday by July 1 of award year; must complete FAFSA or California Dream Act Application; not guaranteed due to limited funding; rolling deadline with no firm cutoff
Keeping it after year one
Available for up to 5 years whether or not consecutive; must reapply annually; awards made on first-come, first-served basis
How to apply
Applications are handled by the provider, not by ScholarDuck. Check the deadline on their page before you start — deadlines move, and ours is only as fresh as our last check.
Common questions
When is the California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth deadline?
July 31, 2027. That is the date ScholarDuck recorded from California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) / California Department of Social Services's own page. Providers move deadlines without notice, so confirm it on California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) / California Department of Social Services's page before you plan around it.
How much is the California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth worth?
Awards range from $4,500 to $5,000. California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) / California Department of Social Services describes it as: Up to $5,000 per academic year; $4,500 authorized for 2026-27 academic year; $2,500 per semester or $1,667 per quarter. This is the figure listed on the page ScholarDuck checked, not an estimate of what any one applicant receives.
Who is eligible for the California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth?
Intended for: Current or former foster youth. Enrollment: at least half-time in program at least 4 months in length. Those are the eligibility facts ScholarDuck recorded from California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) / California Department of Social Services's page — a summary of what they publish, not their complete rules. Read their own page before you apply.
Is the California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth renewable?
Yes. Available for up to 5 years whether or not consecutive; must reapply annually; awards made on first-come, first-served basis. Renewal conditions are set by California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) / California Department of Social Services and can change — check their page for the current terms.
How do I apply for the California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth?
Through California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) / California Department of Social Services. ScholarDuck does not accept or forward applications. This page links to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) / California Department of Social Services page ScholarDuck checked, which is where their instructions live; open it, confirm the deadline and requirements there, and apply directly with them.
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