Special Programs
Financial assistance comes in a variety of forms, some for students with particular circumstances.
Foster Youth
If you are or were in foster care, you may qualify for up to $5,000 a year in free money for vocational training or college. To apply, you must complete the FAFSA and the California Grant Application, which is available online at 
www.chafee.csac.ca.gov or by calling the California Student Aid Commission toll free at (888) 224-7268.
In addition, some colleges offer tuition waivers and scholarships for foster youth. To learn more, contact your caseworker, independent living program coordinator, high school counselor, college financial aid administrator, go to www.fosteryouthhelp.ca.gov or call California's Foster Care Ombudsman toll free at 877-846-1602.
Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, and Their Dependents (LEPD)
If you are a dependent or spouse of a California peace officer or firefighter, or certain California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation employees, who were killed or totally disabled in the line of duty, you may qualify for a grant equal to a Cal Grant award. If you receive a Cal Grant, your LEPD grant will match your Cal Grant award. Applications are available online at www.csac.ca.gov or by calling the California Student Aid Commission toll free at (888) 224-7268. Applications are available throughout the year and you must also file the FAFSA.
Child Development Grants
If you are pursuing a child development permit and plan to work at a licensed children's center, you may be eligible for a Child Development Grant of $1,000 (at a two-year college) or $2,000 (at a four-year college). In return, you must teach full time at a licensed children's center in California for one year for each year of grant assistance you receive.
Besides the FAFSA, you must file a Child Development Grant application. Applications are available online at www.csac.ca.gov or by calling the California Student Aid Commission toll free at (888) 224-7268. The deadline is June 1. Applications received after June 1 will be evaluated on a first-come, first served basis.
Financial assistance comes in a variety of forms, some for students with particular circumstances.
For Future Teachers
If you are considering a teaching career, take a look at these financial aid programs for future teachers:
Cal Grant A and B extended benefits provide an additional year of grant assistance for Cal Grant A or B recipients who attend a teaching credential program.
APLE, the Assumption Program of Loans for Education, assumes up to $11,000 in student loan debt in return for up to four years of teaching service in either a designated subject area or at a designated K-12 school, and up to $8,000 more for participants who teach math, science, or special education at the lowest performing schools.
SNAPLE, the new State Nursing Assumption Program of Loans for Education, assumes up to $25,000 (up to $5,000 a year for up to five years) for those who agree to teach nursing at a California college.
Federal Loan Forgiveness for Teachers benefits allow federal Stafford loan borrowers to have up to $5,000 of their loan debt forgiven in return for five years of teaching service at a designated K-12 public school, and up to $17,000 if they are highly qualified math, science, or special education teachers serving certain communities or schools.
Federal Perkins Loan Forgiveness benefits forgive Perkins Loan debt for those who teach at a designated low-income public school, in a designated subject area or to children with disabilities.
Teach for America, a national service program, offers forbearance and interest payment benefits on qualified student loans for college graduates who teach for two years in the country's most disadvantaged school districts. Visit the
www.teachforamerica.org to learn more.
To learn more about these financial aid incentives, visit www.calteach.com.
Financial assistance comes in a variety of forms, some for students with particular circumstances.
Support for Veterans and Their Dependents
Veterans of U.S. military service, or eligible dependents of veterans, may qualify for educational benefits. The GI Bill website provides information on the various available programs offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Department also provides a publication, Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents, available at www1.va.gov/OPA/vadocs/current_benefits.asp, that describes available educational benefits as well as other benefits for veterans and their dependents.
California also provides for the waiver of certain student fees for eligible dependents of California veterans who enroll at the state's public colleges and universities. Waivers are available for:
Qualifying children, spouses/registered domestic partners, or unmarried surviving spouses/registered domestic partners of a war period veteran of the U.S. military who is totally service-connected disabled or who died as a result of service-related causes
Children of any veteran of the U.S. military who has a service-connected disability, was killed in action, or died of a service-connected disability and meets specified income provisions
Any dependent or surviving spouse/registered domestic partner who has not remarried of a member of the California National Guard who in the line of duty and in active service of the state was killed or became permanently disabled or died of a disability as a result of an event while in active service of the state
Undergraduate students who are the recipient of, or the child of a recipient of, a Congressional Medal of Honor and meet age and income restrictions
The application form for the veterans' dependents fee waiver and a listing of county veterans service offices are available at www.cdva.ca.gov/service/feewaiver.asp.
AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps affords opportunities for individuals to earn education awards while providing service to meet critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. AmeriCorps is open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent resident aliens age 17 and older. AmeriCorps is made up of three programs:
AmeriCorps State and National — participants provide support for a broad range of local service programs that engage thousands of Americans in intensive service to meet critical community needs
AmeriCorps VISTA — full-time members assist community organizations and public agencies to create and expand programs that build capacity and ultimately bring low-income individuals and communities out of poverty
AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) — 18-24 year olds participate in a full-time residential program that strengthens communities while developing leaders through direct, team-based national and community service
Participants serve full or part time over a 10- to 12-month period and receive an education award of $4,725 for full-time service to pay for college, graduate school, or to pay back qualified student loans upon successful completion of their service. During their service, members receive health insurance, training, and student loan deferment, and some participants also receive a modest annual living allowance. Members who serve part time receive a partial education award.
Additional information is available at www.americorps.org. You may also wish to check individual college and university websites for information on programs that they participate in.
Students with Disabilities
Colleges and universities provide various services and accommodations to support students with permanent or temporary disabilities and ensure that they may participate fully in campus programs and activities. Campuses typically have an office or a designated employee that coordinates services for students with disabilities. Services include disability management counseling, assistance with registration and enrollment, orientation programs, accessibility tours and maps, on-campus van transportation, and equipment loans. Academic support is available through readers, interpreters, note-takers, special test-taking arrangements, and adaptive equipment.
If you have a physical limitation or learning disability, you should contact the office that coordinates services for students with disabilities at the campus you wish to attend to discuss the programs and services that are available and your needs.
You may also wish to check the state Department of Rehabilitation's vocational rehabilitation services program regarding support services or financial assistance.
Vocational Rehabilitation
The state's Department of Rehabilitation has offices located throughout the state that provide vocational rehabilitation information and services to assist persons with disabilities prepare for obtaining and retaining employment. Vocational rehabilitation programs are custom-designed for individuals based on consultation with vocational rehabilitation counselors. A directory of California vocational rehabilitation offices can be found at www.rehab.cahwnet.gov/eps/default.htm.
