What is a Cal Grant?
The Cal Grant Program is a state-funded educational opportunity grant program to assist students in paying for a college education. All applicants must submit a FAFSA and GPA Verification Form by published deadlines. Students who submit their completed applications by the deadline will receive a notification letter from the California Student Aid Commission announcing the results. All Cal Grant applicants are considered for a Cal Grant A, B or C, but students may only receive benefits from one Cal Grant program at a time.
- Cal Grant A provides grant funds to help pay tuition/fees for California residents at qualifying institutions offering baccalaureate degree programs. If a student receives a Cal Grant A award but decides to attend a California Community College first, the student may choose to hold his or her award in reserve for up to two years.
- Cal Grant B provides grant funds for access costs for low-income students in an amount not to exceed $1,551. This grant is to be used for living expenses and expenses related to transportation, supplies, and books. Beginning with the second year of Cal Grant B benefits, Cal Grant B also helps pay for tuition/fees for California residents attending qualifying institutions offering baccalaureate degree programs.
- Cal Grant C assists students with tuition/fee and training costs for occupational or vocational programs. Recipients are selected based on financial need and vocational aptitude and must be enrolled in a vocational program in a course of study lasting from four months to two years.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A CAL GRANT
The 2008-2009 Cal Grant Application deadline is March 3, 2008. Click here for instructions on how to apply.
If you miss the March deadline, there will be another opportunity to apply for a Cal Grant in early September 2008. Inctructions will be available on this page in June, 2008
CAL GRANT RECORD CHANGE FORM (G-10)
General Instructions
If you have a Cal Grant A, B, or C, use the attached G-10 Form to report any changes in your name, social security number, address, school, or to request a leave of absence.
After you complete and sign the form, mail it to the Financial Aid Office, Sierra College, 5000 Rocklin Rd, Rocklin, CA 95677; bring it to the office, which is located in the Winstead Center on the Rocklin Campus; or fax it to (916) 630-4541. Completed forms can also be dropped off at the Nevada County Campus.
If you are using the G-10 to request a Leave of Absence from the Cal Grant program, please read the following:
CAL GRANT LEAVE OF ABSENCE
If you do not want to use your Cal Grant while you are attending Sierra College or if you are not enrolled at least half-time (6 or more units) for the Fall and /or Spring semester, you can request a leave of absence from the Cal Grant program. Use the attached G-10 form. It is your responsibility to make sure that the Rocklin Campus Fiinancial Aid Office receives the completed form. We will make sure the California Student Aid Commission is notified about your request.
A Leave of Absence must be approved by the California Student Aid Commission. Please read the information on the attached form. If you have any questions, contact the California Student Aid Commission. The phone number, fax number, mailing address, and e-mail address are at the bottom of the form.
CAL GRANT DEFERMENT REQUEST
If you are called to active military duty, are entering military service, Peace Corps, or VISTA, you may apply for a deferment for your Cal Grant for up to five years.
For more information and a copy of the Cal Grant Deferment Form, check the Commission's Web site at www.csac.ca.gov or call the Commission's Customer Service Branch at (888) 224-7268