ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
To maximize your opportunities for financial assistance, Pathways to Success has also provided you linkages to federal, state, and local programs. As a minimum requirement of the Pathways to Success program, you are expected to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)—AB-540/Undocumented students DO NOT HAVE TO COMPLETE THE FAFSA.
FEDERAL & STATE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
o Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The U.S. Department of Education makes available federally funded or federally guaranteed financial assistance for the benefit of all eligible individuals pursuing higher education beyond high school.
o Board of Governor's Enrollment Fee Waiver (BOG)
The BOG is designed to provide financial assistance for eligible California residents enrolled at a community college in California by waiving the enrollments fees. To apply students may complete the BOG Enrollment Fee Waiver application and/or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Cal Grants A, B and C are state funded grants made available to California residents through the California Student Aid Commission. To qualify, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and/or the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form. Students who apply by the March 2nd deadline are considered for funding for the next school year. Cal Grants are based on merit, financial need and/or vocational program. Cal Grants B and C may be used at a community college, while Cal Grant A may be used by students transferring to a four-year college or university. Students that do not file by the March 2nd deadline may still qualify for a Cal Grant by filing during the September 2ND deadline.
Pell Grants are federally funded grants made available to students unable to meet educational expenses due to high financial needs. Pell Grants do not have to be repaid. To be considered eligible for a Pell Grant students must be enrolled in a college or university and have not yet received a bachelor’s degree. Students may apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The deadline for the Pell Grant is during the spring of the year for which the student is seeking funding. Pell Grants are available on a first-come, first-serve basis so students are encouraged to apply early.
o Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program is for undergraduate students demonstrating significant financial need. Students that receive a Pell Grant and have low expected family contributions (EFCs) will be considered first for a FSEOG. The FSEOG ranges from $100 to $4000 per year and need not be repaid.
o The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART Grant)
The National Smart Grant is available to full-time undergraduate college junior and senior level students. To qualify students must be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant and be enrolled in major within physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, technology, or engineering or in a foreign language determined critical to national security. Students are required to maintain a cumulative 3.0 grade point average (GPA) in coursework required for the major.
o Academic Competitiveness Grant Program (ACG)
The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) is available to full-time undergraduate college freshman and sophomore level students. Grants awards are for $750 for the first year of study and $1,300 for the second year of study.
o Fin Aid
Fin Aid is one of the most comprehensive online sources of information on student financial aid. Students may calculate the cost of attending college and prepare by taking advantage of the advice and tools offered for free by Fin Aid on saving for college, applying for scholarships and loans.
Federal Student Aid is the gateway to free information, guidance and tools for federal student assistance. Federal Student Aid is part of the U.S. Department of Education.
Fed Money is a free online guide to U.S. government grants and student financial aid programs. Students may apply to over 130 federal government programs offering scholarships, fellowships, traineeships, and loans.
o My Money
My Money is a U.S. government website dedicated to teaching all Americans the basics about financial education. Students may learn about planning for college, finding financial assistance, and avoiding scholarship and loan scams.
o IRS Publication 970: Tax Benefits for Education
IRS Publication 970 provides helpful information on the various tax benefits available to students and their parents. Students may learn about the different types of taxable scholarships, grants and loans in addition to tuition reductions.
o California Student Aid Commission
The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) is a state funded program working towards increasing the accessibility of a college education for all Californians. Online students and parents can learn about Cal Grants and other student aid programs, their requirements and how to apply for them.
College.Gov is made available by the U.S. Department of Education and is designed to be a central online location for information and resources about planning, preparing and paying for a college education (such as 2- or 4-year colleges and universities, and vocational or career schools).
NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS
o Fast Web
Fast Web is one of the largest free online scholarship databases. Students must create a username and login to be matched with scholarships that best meet their qualifications.
Broke Scholar is a free online scholarship database with billions of dollars in scholarships and grants.
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) is the nation's leading organization supporting financial assistance for Hispanic students. Students may apply online and take advantage of the large network of scholarship programs and student support services offered by HSF.
College NET is a fast growing social networking site that helps students find financial assistance for college. Students may create a free Candidate account through which students across the country may interact. College Net members may vote for each other, earning points each month that allow top candidates to be considered for monthly scholarships.
Student Scholarship Search is an online database for students and parents dedicated towards providing the most up-to-date information on financial assistance for college. A service of the Student Loan Network, Student Scholarship Search provides daily Financial Aid Podcasts, a monthly Financial Aid Newsletter, and financial aid information and resources for all college levels of education.
o The Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS)
The Gates Millennium Scholarship program provides scholarship support and student services to minority students with significant financial need. To apply students may access the free GMS online resources center where they will find internship, fellowship, and scholarship information.
o Ford Partnership for Advanced Students
Ford PAS provides financial support for Ford PAS students and makes available college information and resources, scholarship and grant listings, and internship opportunities.