Expanded Cal Grant C eligibility now includes qualifying short-term career and vocational programs lasting 8 to 15 weeks
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California community college students still have time to apply for financial aid for the 2026-27 academic year, as state education officials urge current and prospective students to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by the Sept. 2 Cal Grant deadline.
The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, through its I Can Go to College campaign, are reminding students that the September deadline provides an important opportunity for community college students who have not yet completed a financial aid application.
Submitting a FAFSA or CADAA by Sept. 2 is critical for eligible California community college students seeking consideration for a Cal Grant. State grants can help offset college costs including enrollment fees, books, supplies and living expenses.
Students are encouraged to apply even if they are uncertain whether they qualify for assistance.
Cal Grant C expands to short-term career training
California’s 2026-27 state budget expanded Cal Grant C eligibility to include students enrolled in qualifying short-term career technical education and vocational programs lasting 8 to 15 weeks.
The expansion also extends eligibility to qualifying short-term noncredit programs, opening state financial aid opportunities to more Californians seeking accelerated training for employment and career advancement.
The change broadens access to Cal Grant C for students pursuing occupational and technical education, including programs designed to prepare workers for high-demand fields.
“The September 2 deadline is a vital lifeline to affordable education and career advancement,” said Daisy Gonzales, executive director of the California Student Aid Commission. “We urge all students and families to complete their FAFSA or CADAA today, take advantage of our free Cash for College webinars, and help us share this opportunity across every region of our state.”
“Financial aid is a game-changer that opens doors to higher education and economic mobility for hundreds of thousands of community college students,” said California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian. “Whether you are pursuing a degree, a transfer pathway, or a fast-track 8-to-15-week career training program, financial stability is the foundation of student success. California Community Colleges are breaking down barriers so that every learner, regardless of background or age, has a fair shot at achieving their educational and career goals.”
“Expanding Cal Grant C to cover short-term vocational and Career Technical Education programs is a monumental victory for California workers and our state’s economy,” said Assemblymember David Alvarez. “These programs give students the hands-on skills and practical training they need for in-demand jobs in health care, computer technology, and the vocational trades, without burying them in debt. I strongly encourage all students planning to attend a California Community College this fall to apply for financial aid before September 2 so they can take full advantage of these expanded state resources.”
Free help available for students and families
CSAC is offering free Cash for College workshops and webinars to help students and families complete the FAFSA or CADAA before the Sept. 2 deadline.
The sessions provide step-by-step assistance from financial aid experts and opportunities for participants to ask questions. High school graduates, current college students, adult learners, returning students, foster youth and families are encouraged to participate.
How students and campuses can take action
- Apply for financial aid: Complete the FAFSA at fafsa.gov or the CADAA at dream.csac.ca.gov by Sept. 2 for Cal Grant consideration at a California community college.
- Attend a Cash for College session: Register for free FAFSA and CADAA assistance through csac.ca.gov/cash-for-
college. - Explore community college programs: Visit
ICanGoToCollege.com for information about colleges, career education, financial aid and student support resources. Information is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Tagalog. - Access outreach materials: Colleges and community organizations can use CSAC’s Sept. 2 Deadline Toolkit and Cal Grant C Toolkit, including digital graphics, email templates, flyers and FAQs, at csac.ca.gov/toolkits.
Students who have questions about their eligibility or individual circumstances should contact the financial aid office at the community college they attend or plan to attend.
The Sept. 2 deadline gives California community college students who did not apply by the state’s earlier priority deadline another opportunity to seek Cal Grant assistance for the academic year.
About the California Student Aid Commission
The California Student Aid Commission serves more than 2.2 million students and administers more than $3.9 billion in student financial aid programs and services, including Cal Grants, the Middle Class Scholarship and the California Dream Act Application. The Commission provides information and expertise on college affordability and financing and works to reduce financial barriers to higher education in California. For more information, visit csac.ca.gov.
About the California Community Colleges
The California Community Colleges is the nation’s largest system of higher education, comprising 73 districts and 116 colleges and serving approximately 2.2 million students annually. California community colleges provide career education and workforce training, transfer pathways to four-year universities, and degree and certificate programs. The system’s Vision 2030 strategic plan focuses on educational access, student success and economic mobility. For more information, visit the California Community Colleges website.
