Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid is available to students to help cover the cost for college. Financial Aid is any type of financial support awarded to a student pursuing a higher education. Financial aid is usually made up of the following three components:

Grants/Scholarships

Grants & Scholarships are funds awarded to students that do not need to be paid back.

There are three types of grants that are usually awarded to a student: Federal Pell Grant, Cal Grant, and a University Grant. These grants are awarded based on the completion of a student’s FAFSA Application/Dream Act Application.

There are two types of scholarships that can be awarded to a student. Institutional Scholarships are funds awarded by the College/University. Private scholarships are funds awarded by a private organization or agency.

Loans

Loans are funds awarded to a student that must be paid back. They are offered based on the completion of a student’s FAFSA/Dream Act Application. There are four basic loans that can be offered under Financial aid:

Perkins Loan is a federal student loan based on financial need.
Student Subsidized Loan is a need-based loan. While in school, no payments are required and no interest charged. Students start making payments 6 months after graduation or leaving school.
Student Unsubsidized Loan is not a need-based loan. While in school, no payments are required BUT interest is being charged and then added to entire loan amount. Students start making payments 6 months after your graduate or leave school.
Parent Loan is a need-based loan awarded to parents, therefore they must sign for it and pay back.

Work-Study

Scholarship of the Month

Knowledge is Empowerment Scholarship

The Martha Suarez Foundation established a scholarship program for high school seniors in the Southern California area to promote education as a prevention strategy to child trafficking. Learn More.

Scholarship Award: $1,000

Deadline: April 30, 2019

FAFSA, Federal Application for Federal Student Aid

FAFSA, Federal Application for Federal Student Aid

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an online application to apply for need-based grants, loans, & work-study. Students can apply their senior year of high school. Application opens in October 1st and must be submitted be March 2nd of their senior year.

Requirements: Student must be a US Citizen with valid Social Security number to apply.

FAFSA Application

Calgrant

Calgrant

Cal Grant is a financial aid program administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) providing aid to California undergraduates, vocational training students, and those in teacher certification programs. Cal Grant is based on merit and financial need. There is no separate application for the Cal Grant. However, Cal Grant applicants must file FAFSA or California Dream Application between October 1 and March 2 each year.

Students can refer to the site below and create an account to get resources, information and tools needed to assist them with the College financial aid process. Here they will also be able to view and manage their Cal grant online.

Webgrants 4 Students

CA Dream Act Application

CA Dream Act Application

California Dream Act is a financial aid application for students who will be attending a California college. Students can apply their senior year of high school. Application opens in October 1st and must be submitted be March 2nd of their senior year.

Requirements: Student DOESN’T have a Social Security number, is part of the DACA program, is undocumented or is an AB540 student.

California Dream Act Application

Scholarships

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