Grant Programs
California College Promise Grant
California community colleges provide the California College Promise Grant for students who need assistance paying enrollment fees. Enrollment fees will be paid for the academic year (summer, fall, winter, and spring semesters), whether taking one class or a full-time load. California residents or AB 540 students may be eligible for a California College Promise Grant if any one of the following criteria is met:
- Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Dream Act application for financial aid;
- Student or family is receiving CalWORKs, SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or General Assistance/ General Relief; or
- Meet prescribed low-income guidelines published annually by the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office.
Dependents of deceased or disabled veterans who are eligible for benefits under the California Veterans Dependents Educational Assistance program can also have their fees waived with a grant.
Federal Pell Grants
The Federal Pell Grant Program is the largest federal student grant program. Pell Grants range in amounts from $740 to $7,395 (assuming full-time enrollment). Although $7,395 is the maximum Pell Grant scheduled award, a student may be eligible to receive Pell Grant funds for up to 150 percent of the student's Pell scheduled award. The student must meet certain conditions under the Year-Round Pell regulations to qualify for the 150 percent award. You may contact the Financial Aid office for further information. A student must complete the FAFSA to qualify for a Pell Grant. The student must be in an eligible academic program and enrolled in course required for that academic program in order to receive this grant. Eligibility for a Pell Grant is determined by the federal government according to a Student Aid Index (SAI) formula developed by the U.S. Department of Education and approved annually by Congress.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program is designed to supplement other sources of financial aid for students who qualify for additional assistance. These grants range from $100 to $4,000 a year depending on your financial need and funds available. All students who apply for financial aid are automatically considered for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant as long as funds are available. A student must complete the FAFSA to be considered for this grant. The student must be in an eligible academic program and taking course required for that program in order to receive this grant.
Cal Grants A, B, C (State Grants)
These are three state grant programs available through the California Student Aid Commission. To qualify for a Cal Grant A, B, or C, a student must complete a FAFSA or Dream Act application to have their eligibility determined by the California Student Aid Commission. A student may accept only one Cal Grant. A full-time student may receive a Cal Grant for a maximum of four years. In order to complete an associate degree in two years, a student needs to take 15 units per semester or 30 units per year.
To know more about the Cal Grant eligibility requirements, steps to apply and deadlines, and Cal Grant resources, visit our Cal Grant website at https://www.hancockcollege.edu/finaid/cal%20grants.php
Cal Grant A
Cal Grant A helps low and middle income students with tuition/fee costs. Grant recipients are selected on the basis of financial need and grade point average. The grant will be held in reserve for students who attend a public community college until transfer to a four-year college. The grant amount will vary depending on the tuition and fees charged by the four-year college. To be eligible for a new (first-time) Cal Grant A, a student may not have completed more than six semesters, or nine quarters of college study, and must enroll at least half time.
Cal Grant B
Cal Grant B provides a living allowance for students with low income. A minimum grade point average of 2.00 is required for assistance. The maximum award for a full-time student is $1,648. There are a limited number of special Cal Grant B awards authorized for community college students transferring to four-year colleges. To be eligible for this special award, an applicant may not have completed more than six semesters or nine quarters of college study.
Cal Grant C
Cal Grant C helps vocational school students with tuition and training costs. The maximum amount of the grant for a full-time student is $1,094. Training related costs include special clothing, tools, equipment, books, supplies, and transportation. Recipients must be enrolled in a vocational program at a community college, independent college, or vocational school, in a program of study from four months to two years at full-time equivalent in length.
Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG)
The SSCG pays full-time Cal Grant recipients $1,298 annually for 12 to 14.99 units per term and $4,000 annually for 15 units or more units per term. Only full-time students receiving Cal Grant B or Cal Grant C can receive this grant.
The California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG)
DSIG Program encourages California Dream Act Applicant (CADAA) students with a Cal Grant A award that met Cal Grant B eligibility or a Cal Grant B award to perform community or volunteer service. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) will award up to $4,500 per academic year (up to $2,250 per semester or up to $1,500 per quarter) to 1,667 eligible students. The grant will be available to the student for up to 8 semesters or up to 12 quarters while they have an active Cal Grant A or B award. Students must also meet Satisfactory Academic Progress and complete any necessary verification for their Cal Grant award.
Learning-Aligned Employment Program (LAEP)
LAEP allows a participating student placement in an educationally beneficial position that relates to the student’s area of study, career objective, or the exploration of career objectives. The program includes and emphasizes positions for students with employers that are capable of providing them with full-time employment opportunities after graduation, or opportunities to connect with other employers that are capable of providing them with full-time employment opportunities after graduation, within their areas of study.
The California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth (Chafee Grant)
Chafee Grant awards up to $5,000 a year to eligible foster youth. The Chafee Grant may be used at any eligible California college or university, or career or technical school. Students attending schools in other states may also qualify. A student’s receipt of a Chafee Grant award shall not exceed five years (whether or not consecutive). Payment on an eligible California Chafee Grant Award is not guaranteed. Funding is limited. Payments are made on a first-come first-served basis.
Students with Dependent Children (SWD)
Students attending a UC, CSU, or California Community College (CCC) who have dependent children under the age of 18 by July 1, 2020 for whom they provide more than half of their support during the academic year may be eligible for an increase to their Cal Grant. Awards may be up to $6,000 for qualifying Cal Grant A and B recipients and up to $4,000 for eligible Cal Grant C recipients.
Financial Aid Disbursement
Students who are eligible for federal and state student financial aid such as federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, Direct Student Loans, and Cal Grant will only be eligible for aid based on the number of units the student is enrolled in as of the freeze date for each semester. The freeze date is determined by the Financial Aid office which is on the third week of each semester. Retroactive disbursements, for semesters that have already ended, will be made to eligible students based on the number of units completed for that semester.
Retaking Coursework in Term Programs
Students may receive federal and state aid for only one course repetition after a course has been satisfactorily passed ("D" grade or higher). Students may continue to be paid for repeatedly failed courses. However, Satisfactory Academic Policy (SAP) will apply to those courses. If a student withdraws before completing the course that they are being paid federal and state funds for retaking, then that is not counted as one allowed retake for that class. However, if a student passed a class once, then is repaid for retaking the class and fails the second time, that failure counts as their paid retake and the student may not be paid for retaking the class a third time. If you are retaking a course, you may wish to contact the Financial Aid office regarding payment eligibility for that course.
Programs and Courses not Eligible for Financial Aid
Students within certain academic programs or taking courses within those programs are not eligible to receive federal aid or Cal Grants. For the 2020/21 academic year, Cosmetology, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and Registered Veterinary Technician/Veterinary Technology programs are not eligible. All 400 level course are not eligible for federal and state aid.
Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) Grant
Allan Hancock College Board Policy 5150
This state-funded program offers academically and educationally disadvantaged students “over and above” services in academic counseling, extra tutoring, peer advising and other ongoing support services to assist students in attaining their educational goals. Financial assistance for books and child care is also available for those who qualify.
Law Enforcement Personnel Dependent Scholarships
This grant program provides educational benefits to the dependents of California police and other law enforcement officers (highway patrol, county sheriffs, and correctional officers) who have been killed or totally disabled in the line of duty. The death or disablement must have been the result of an accident or injury caused by external violence or physical force, incurred in the performance of duty. Grants range from $100 to $1,500 per year with a maximum of $6,000 in a six-year period. Write directly to the California Student Aid Commission, P.O. Box 419027, Rancho Cordova, CA, 95814, for application materials. Students may also call 1-888-CA-GRANT (888-224-7268).
Aid for American Indians
The Bureau of Indian Affairs provides federal grants to assist in meeting the costs of attending college. In order to qualify, the student must be at least one-fourth Native American, Eskimo or Aleut, must enroll full time, and must show financial need. Native American students must apply through their tribe, home agency or area office of Indian Education.