Financial Resources

Cash for College

This is a statewide effort sponsored by the California Student Aid Commission and promoted by the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium as well as the colleges and universities in the San Joaquin Valley to encourage students to take advantage of the money that is available to help them finance their college education. As part of the campaign, Cash for College offers free workshops aimed at helping students and their parents successfully complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Grade Point Average Verification Form, which are necessary to apply for Cal Grants and other types of financial aid. Workshops are held in Kern County between January through March every year.

Cal Grants

Cal Grants are one of the smartest ways to get cash for college. For starters, its money you don't have to pay back. If you're a graduating high school senior or recent graduate, meet academic, financial and eligibility requirements and submit two forms by the Cal Grant deadline, you may receive a Cal Grant!

Visit http://www.calgrants.org/ for more information.

Middle Class Scholarship

The Middle Class Scholarship (MSC) is a recently implemented program which you can receive financial aid from by completing the FAFSA or Dream Act. It can provide undergraduate student with a family income up to $150,000 a scholarship to attend a University of California (UC) or a California State University (CSU) campus. The requirements needed to be eligible for MCS are that the student must be: a California Resident attending a CSU or UC; be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have AB 540 student status; meet certain income and other financial aid standards; maintain a satisfactory academic progress; not be in default on a student loan; and must not be incarcerated.

As a note, the MSC is being phased in over the course of four years starting with the 2014-15 academic year. This means that the amount received will be small during the first years; however, its maximum award will increase up until the 2017-2018 academic year where it can be up to 40% of the mandatory systemwide fees and tuition.

Visit http://www.csac.ca.gov/mcs.asp for more information.

Federal Student Aid

Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, ensures that all eligible individuals can benefit from federally funded financial assistance for education beyond high school. We consistently champion the promise of postsecondary education to all Americans —and its value to our society.

Federal Student Aid plays a central and essential role in supporting postsecondary education by providing money for college to eligible students and families. We partner with postsecondary schools, financial institutions and others to deliver services that help students and families who are paying for college.

Resources

Cal Grant

Webgrants 4 Students

California Chafee Grant

California Student Aid Commission

Scholarship and Grants

California Nonresident Tuition Exemption & Scholarships
(AB 540)