Overview: California community college students have until September 2 to apply for financial aid and the expanded Cal Grant C, which now supports short-term vocational programs. The California Student Aid Commission is urging students to complete their FAFSA or California Dream Act Applications immediately to secure funding for tuition and living expenses. To assist with this process, officials will host free virtual webinars providing step-by-step guidance.
Ellen Perrault
The clock is ticking rapidly toward the September 2 deadline for California Community College Students to apply for Financial Aid.
The deadline also applies to the historic Cal Grant C Expansion that now covers Short-Term Vocational Programs (8–15 Weeks).
With less than 30 days remaining for scholars to submit their applications, the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office’s ICanGoToCollege.com campaign is making an urgent call to current and prospective community college students to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) before the crucial September 2 Cal Grant deadline.
Financial aid provides vital, non-repayable grants and scholarships that make higher education accessible. Missing the September 2 deadline could mean leaving thousands of dollars in financial aid on the table—funds designed to cover tuition, fees, books, and essential living expenses.
Cal Grant C Now Covers Short-Term C provides free money for students enrolled in a vocational, occupational, or technical training program. These students can qualify if they are attending a California Community College (CCC) or eligible private school that offers vocational or technical programs, including credit and non-credit programs.
To apply for Cal Grant C students must submit a financial aid application by the September 2nd deadline. Students must complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
How Students and Campuses Can Take Action Today
To find out which application is right for you, visit the How to Apply page. Students who are potentially eligible for Cal Grant C must complete the online Cal Grant C Supplement Form to confirm their eligibility. If selected, the electronic form will be available in your WebGrants 4 Students portal.
Free Hands-On Help
CSAC Cash for College Webinars & Toolkits are available to help students and families successfully complete their applications before September 2.
CSAC is hosting free virtual Cash for College Webinars. These interactive sessions provide step-by-step guidance, expert support, and live Q&A for both FAFSA and CADAA applicants.
High school seniors, adult learners, returning students, foster youth, and families are all encouraged to attend.