Money for Foster Youth

College of the Desert District Foundation (DCCD)

The DCCD Foundation offers scholarships for continuing and transferring students. Qualifications for scholarships vary from type of major, GPA, number of units completed, county of residence, transfer goal, etc.
In order for students to be considered for a Foundation scholarship, he/she must complete the scholarship application and go through the eligibility and selection process. Scholarships are usually awarded to the student(s) who best fit the criteria as established by the donor and or organization providing the scholarship funds.

Chafee Grant 

If you are or were in foster care for at least one day, between the ages of 16 and 18 as a dependent or ward of the court and have financial need, you may qualify for up to $5,000 a year for career and technical training or college. You don’t have to pay this money back. You may also be able to use your grant to help pay for child care, transportation and rent while you’re in school. You can use your Chafee Grant at any eligible California college or university or career or technical school, as well as schools in other states.

NEXTUP 

NextUp provides community college students like you with resources that make a difference. The program offers eligible current and former foster youth support and services that could include help with books and supplies, transportation, tutoring, food and emergency housing.

* Were in foster care, in any state, for at least one day, on or after their 13th birthday.

*Are enrolled in or planning to enroll in at least nine units or agree to an education plan with the future goal of enrolling in nine units.

*Are no older than 26 years of age at the commencement of any academic year in which the student first enrolls in the program; students enrolled in the program prior to turning 26 are allowed to continue participating in the program beyond the age of 26.

*Enroll in the NextUp program prior to age 26, disenroll, and subsequently return after turning 26 may be readmitted to the same or another NextUp program.

FASFA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is an application for federal student aid. You need to complete the FAFSA form to apply for federal student aid such as federal grants, work-study funds, and loans. Completing and submitting the FAFSA form is free and easier than ever, and it gives you access to federal student aid—the largest source of aid— to help you pay for college or career/trade school.

CADAA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act Application (CADAA) are both applications for financial aid. Students should only complete one of the applications based on the following citizenship requirements:

Students eligible to complete the CADAA may: Be undocumented
*Have a valid or expired DACA status
*Be a U visa holder
*Have Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
*Meet the non-resident exemption requirements under AB 540