College and Career Success
Includes information and resources to support educational outcomes beyond high school (i.e. college, university, etc.).
College Support Programs
- Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) provides assistance through mentorship, academic programs, financial assistance, counseling/advising, and other campus support services to those who are first-generation college students, and/or from low-income and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. The EOP program is available at CSU and UC campuses only. Find answers to frequently asked questions, see campus contacts, and apply to EOP.
- Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) encourages the enrollment, retention, and transfer of students disadvantaged by language, social, economic, and educational circumstances, and helps to facilitate the successful completion of their goals and objectives in college. EOPS offers academic and support counseling, financial aid, and other support services. The EOPS program is available at California Community Colleges.
- California College Pathways programs may offer peer advisors and personal counselors, who can become your on-campus family. They can provide academic advising, housing assistance, tutoring, mentoring, financial assistance, special accommodations for students with disabilities, counseling, social activities and many other resources. Visit the California College Campus Listing to search colleges for foster youth campus support programs.
- NextUp also known as CAFYES (Cooperating Agencies Foster Youth Educational Support), provides community college students like you with resources that make a difference. The program offers eligible current and former foster youth support and services that could include help with books and supplies, transportation, tutoring, food and emergency housing.
Online Financial Aid Resources for Foster Youth
- CalGrant/CA Dream Act is available to students
attending college in California and
can cover tuition costs as well as other
costs such as housing and books.
Foster youth are given special consideration
when applying for a CalGrant.
Foster youth can qualify any time up to
age 26 (other students must apply within one year of high school graduation),
may have an extended deadline to apply, and can receive the grant for 8 years
rather than the usual 4 years. Students who are undocumented can submit a
California Dream Act Application.
- Chafee Education
Training Voucher (ETV)
is managed through an interagency agreement between the
California Department of Social Services and the California Student Aid
Commission.
Current and former foster youth who were in out of home
placement between the ages of 16-18 may be eligible to receive up to $5,000 for
college.
- California College
Promise Grant
formerly known as the
BOG Fee Waiver, the California College Promise Grant permits
enrollment
fees to be waived
for eligible California residents.
- Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to low-income
undergraduate and certain postbaccalaureate students to promote access to
postsecondary education. In order to apply for and receive the Pell Grant,
you
should start by submitting a
Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form
. You will have to fill out the FAFSA form every
year you’re in school, to stay eligible for federal student aid.
Please call (916) 651-7465 or email CFSChafeeETV@dss.ca.gov for addition college or financial aid information.
CDSS Letters and Information Notices