Students need to apply by March 2 for
Cal Grants
SACRAMENTO
— The California Student Aid Commission and California Cash for College
recently announced a March 2 deadline that is fast approaching for high school
seniors to apply for a Cal Grant – state-funded grants to help pay for college
or career/technical school expenses that do not have to be paid back. Cal Grants are guaranteed for all qualified
students who meet eligibility requirements and apply by the March 2 application
deadline. With a Cal Grant, students can
be awarded up to $9,700 a year to pay for college or career/technical school
expenses.
“Cal
Grants offer California students the financial assistance to continue their
education beyond high school, giving them the opportunity for a better future,”
said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell. “We want to encourage all eligible students
to apply for a Cal Grant by the March 2 deadline, so that cost is no longer a
barrier to pursuing a post-secondary education in the state of California.”
Students,
recent graduates and families can get help applying for a Cal Grant and other
financial aid at free local Cash for College workshops offered throughout the
state through March 2. At the workshops,
applicants will receive step-by-step assistance to complete the required
financial aid forms. A $1,000
scholarship is offered at each workshop as an incentive for students to apply
for a Cal Grant before the March 2 deadline.
The scholarship is made possible through the generosity of the College
Access Foundation of California.
To
apply for a Cal Grant, students must fill out and submit two forms — a Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a Cal Grant GPA Verification
form — by the March 2 deadline. Because
this year’s deadline falls on a Sunday, forms postmarked by Monday, March 3 will
be accepted. Other financial and
academic eligibility requirements apply.
For
help completing the FAFSA, students and families can visit www.calgrants.org to
locate a Cash for College workshop in their area, or call (888) CA-GRANT
(888-224-7268).
In addition, the Commission’s
telephone staff will be available for extended hours through Friday, February
29 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to answer questions and help callers through the Cal
Grant application process. For
assistance, call (888) CA-GRANT (888-224-7268).