Financial Aid for Foster Youth and Homeless Youth

As an incoming or continuing CSUB student, Guardian Scholars Foster Youth Program students follow the same application procedures for state and federal aid as any other student. A Guardian Scholar with a negative, $0, or low Student Aid Index (SAI) should expect to receive enough federal and state grants to pay for tuition and books. Additional resources, such as scholarships or loans, may be needed to pay for housing and other expenses.

Students will either fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or California Dream Act application through the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) if they do not have access to the FAFSA. Undocumented students will be eligible for state aid (Cal Grant or State University Grant, EOP, Guardian Scholars), but not federal aid (such as the Pell Grant and federal student loans).

Additionally, for current/former foster youth, CSAC funds the Chafee Grant for eligible students. The window of eligibility is narrow — students need to be a ward of the court with placement in foster care between the ages of 16-18, as well as other requirements and verification. However, students who do qualify can receive a significant amount of grant funding to help pay for housing costs.

Additional Resources

CalFresh

California Coalition for Youth (CCY)