THE CAL GRANT PROGRAM

The State of California offers three grants. The application period for these is very short and you must apply before March 2 of the year prior to the year for which the grants are given. Applications are available in the Financial Aid Office. To apply for 2006-2007 you must submit a 2006-2007 Cal Grant GPA verification form to the state on or before March 2, 2006. You must also submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 2, 2006. If either of these post-mark dates are missed, you will not be considered for a Cal Grant. For community college students who have earned at least 24 units have a second competitive award. You must be a California resident to be considered for a Cal Grant. Cal Grants are based upon financial need and academic achievement. If you are a student at GWC and only have units from GWC, we will electronically submit your GPA..

What are the three types of Cal Grants?

Cal Grant A: Is for students transferring to a four-year college/university in California. If you receive a Cal Grant A, you will not receive funds while at Golden West College. However, you can put the grant on reserve until you transfer from GWC to a four-year school.

Cal Grant B: Pays up to $1,551 per year while you are attending GWC.

Cal Grant C: Is only for two-year vocational students. The maximum Cal Grant C award at GWC is $576 per year

Competitive Cal Grant A and B Awards are offered on a competitive basis to Community College students who did not receive entitlement awards. These awards provide grant funds for access costs for low-income students in an amount not to exceed $1,551.

What are the income standards to qualify for a Cal Grant?

Cal Grant Income Standards [pdf]