The California Chafee Grant awards up to $4,500 per year to eligible current or former foster youth under age 26 who were wards of the court between ages 16 and 18. Funds support enrollment at eligible California or out-of-state colleges, universities, or vocational schools at half-time or more. Awards are limited to five years and payments are made on a first-come, first-served basis. The application period for 2027-28 runs from October 1, 2026, to July 31, 2028.
Applicants must be current or former foster youth who were wards of the court between ages 16 and 18, under age 26 as of July 1 of the award year, enrolled at least half-time in eligible schools, and making satisfactory academic progress.
