Foster Youth

Foster Youth and Former Foster Youth receive Level 1 priority registration through age 25. This puts you in the very first group of students to register for classes each semester, giving you the best chance of getting the schedule you need.

To receive priority registration, you must first verify your FY/FFY status. Contact the Financial Aid Office to get started with this process.

Learn More About Priority Registration at SWC

Back to top

The Chafee Grant, also known as the Educational and Training Voucher (ETV), provides up to $4,500 per year to help cover the cost of career training or college coursework. This is free money — you do not pay it back. Funds can also help cover child care, transportation, and rent while you are in school.

Do You Qualify?

To be eligible for the Chafee Grant, you must meet all of the following:

• Be a current or former foster youth who was a dependent or ward of the court, living in foster care between the ages of 16 and 18. Students who were in Kin-GAP, non-related legal guardianship, or were adopted are eligible only if they were a dependent or ward of the court in foster care between the ages of 16 and 18.
• Have not yet turned 26 as of July 1 of the award year
• Have not participated in the Chafee program for more than 5 cumulative years
• Be enrolled at least half-time (6 or more units)
• Be enrolled in a program at least one academic year in length
• Demonstrate financial need
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Meeting all of the eligibility requirements above means you are eligible to apply. It does not guarantee you will receive the grant. The Chafee Grant has limited funding and awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis within a priority order. Applying as early as possible gives you the best chance of receiving funding. Check out the Chafee Grant: Awarding & Renewal section on this page for more detailed information on this. 

Back to top

Steps to Apply

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you do not have a Social Security Number, you should complete the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) instead.
2. Complete the California Chafee Grant Application through the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) website. 

What Happens After You Apply

CSAC will review your application. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) will attempt to verify your foster status automatically. If CDSS is unable to verify your status, CSAC will contact you directly and may ask you to complete the Foster Care Eligibility Certification Form. This form is only required if CSAC specifically requests it. Your foster care placement history only needs to be verified once.

Once your application is complete and approved, CSAC will notify you by email. The SWC Financial Aid Office will then verify your payment eligibility and request payment on your behalf.

You can check the status of your application on the WebGrants 4 Students portal. 

Back to top

How Awards Are Prioritized

Awards are made based on application date and the following priority order:

• Renewal students who have not yet turned 26 as of July 1 of the award year
• New and non-renewal students who will turn 25 as of July 1 of the award year
• New and non-renewal students who have dependent children
• New and non-renewal students with an unmet financial need of $5,000 or more
• New and non-renewal students with an unmet financial need of less than $5,000
• Students who have previously received a Chafee payment
• Students who have not yet received a Chafee payment

Most Chafee awards are initiated during the fall term. Additional awards are offered throughout the year based on available federal and state funding.

Renewing Your Chafee Grant

You do not need to reapply for the Chafee Grant each year. However, you must submit a FAFSA or CADAA every year to renew your eligibility. You may continue to receive the grant through your 26th birthday as of July 1 of the award year.

Back to top

The NextUp and Guardian Scholars Program serves current and former foster youth students at Southwestern College. Both programs provide personalized academic counseling, enrollment priority, grants, book service, life skills workshops, and access to on and off campus resources. Our goal is to support your academic success and help you earn your certificate, degree, or transfer to a four-year university.

Eligibility

To qualify for the NextUp and Guardian Scholars Program, you must meet all of the following:

• Be a current or former foster youth
• Be a California resident or AB540 student
• Be under age 26 at the beginning of the academic year
• Qualify for the California College Promise Grant (CCPG) under Method A, B, or C
• Have not completed more than 70 degree-applicable units, including coursework from other colleges
• Be enrolled in at least 2 units, or have plans to enroll in 9 or more units upon acceptance into the program
• Provide written verification of your foster youth status

If you are receiving services from Disability Support Services (DSS) or are eligible for DSPS, a letter from your DSS counselor confirming your reduced course load accommodation is required.

How to Apply

Complete the NextUp and Guardian Scholars Program Application through the EOPS department. You will need to provide written verification of your foster youth status. Acceptable documentation includes:

• A letter from the California Department of Social Services
• Court records confirming your foster care status
• Documentation from your caseworker or social worker
  • If your case is still open, contact your Social Worker, Case Worker, or Probation Officer directly. San Diego County residents can contact Child Welfare Services at (858) 616-5811.
  • If your case is closed, contact the California Foster Care Ombudsperson Office at 1-877-846-1602 or fosteryouthhelp@dss.ca.gov. The Ombudsperson Office is typically the fastest way to obtain your documentation. Please plan ahead as this process can take several weeks.

Back to top

Extended Opportunities Programs & Services (EOPS)

EOPS is a state-funded program that provides additional support for students who face social, economic, or academic challenges. EOPS students receive counseling, book funds, emergency loans, priority registration, unlimited tutoring, and specialized workshops.

California Foster Youth Education Resource Hub

Information and resources about foster youth education rights, child welfare systems, and support services for current and former foster youth, child welfare agencies, and education partners.

Foster Care Support Services Bureau

Resources for foster youth provided by the State of California.

Back to top