Only 28 Days Left: California Community College Students Urged to Apply for Financial Aid Before September 2 Cal Grant Deadline

With exactly 28 days remaining, the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office’s ICanGoToCollege.com campaign are 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.

Historic Expansion: Cal Grant C Now Covers Short-Term Career & Vocational Programs

Under the newly enacted 2026–27 State Budget, California has expanded financial aid opportunities for career technical education (CTE) and vocational pathways. For the first time ever, students enrolled in eligible short-term certificate and vocational training programs lasting 8 to 15 weeks can now receive a Cal Grant C Award.

Crucially, this historic expansion includes eligible non-credit short-term programs, helping students gain high-demand job skills and transition into the workforce faster without debt.

“With just 28 days left until September 2, we want every California student to know that financial aid is still within reach,” said Daisy Gonzales, Executive Director of the California Student Aid Commission. “This year is particularly transformative – thanks to the expansion of Cal Grant C, which allows students pursuing short-term career technical education and non-credit programs to access state financial aid for the very first time. The September 2 deadline is a vital lifeline to affordable education and career advancement. 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 California State 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 Hands-On Help: CSAC Cash for College Webinars & Toolkits

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.

How Students and Campuses Can Take Action Today:

• Apply Immediately: Submit your FAFSA at fafsa.gov or CADAA at dream.csac.ca.gov before midnight on September 2.
• Attend a Webinar: Register for a free CSAC Cash for College guidance session at csac.ca.gov/cash-for-college.
• Explore Programs: Visit ICanGoToCollege.com (available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Tagalog) to explore local community college programs and connect directly with campus financial aid offices.
• Mobilize Campuses: Campus leaders and advocates can access CSAC’s updated September 2 Deadline Toolkit and the new Cal Grant C Toolkit—complete with social media graphics, email templates, digital flyers, and FAQs—at www.csac.ca.gov/toolkits.

Students and families do not need to navigate the financial aid process alone. Support is available across California to ensure every eligible community college student secures the funding they deserve before September 2.

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The California Student Aid Commission currently serves over 2.2 million students and administers over $3.9 billion of student financial aid programs and services, including the Cal Grant, the Middle

Class Scholarship, and the California Dream Act Application. The Commission serves as a resource for policymakers and the public on college affordability and financing issues, and advocates for policy changes to eliminate cost as a barrier to any qualified California student pursuing a higher education. Visit our website at www.csac.ca.gov or follow us on social media by clicking on our Link Tree.

The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, composed of 73 districts and 116 colleges serving 2.2 million students per year. California community colleges provide career education and workforce training; guaranteed transfer to four-year universities; and degree and certificate pathways. As the state’s engine for social and economic mobility, the California Community Colleges supports Vision 2030, a strategic plan designed to serve our students, our communities, and our planet. For more information, please visit the California Community Colleges website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).