Federal Grants

A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are awarded usually only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or a professional degree. (In some cases, however, a student enrolled in a post-baccalaureate teacher certification program might receive a Pell Grant). Pell Grants are considered a foundation of federal financial aid, to which aid from other federal and nonfederal sources might be added.

Cal Grants

A grant is money for college you don’t have to pay back. To qualify, you must meet the eligibility and financial requirements as well as any minimum GPA requirements. Cal Grants can be used at any University of California, California State University or California Community College, as well as qualifying independent and career colleges or technical schools in California

There are three kinds of Cal Grants — A, B and C — but you don’t have to figure out which one to apply for. Your eligibility will be based on your FAFSA or CADAA responses, your verified Cal Grant GPA, the type of California colleges you list on your FAFSA and whether you’re a recent high school graduate.

If you would like to opt your student out, please fill out the Cal Grant GPA Opt-Out Form and return it to the counseling office no later than January 1 of your student's 11th academic year (junior year).

Scholarships

A scholarship is money that does not have to be repaid. They come from a variety of sources. There are numerous reasons why someone would be awarded a scholarship; therefore there are several different types of scholarships. A merit-based scholarship is probably the most common type.

Community-Based Scholarships

• The Apple Scholarship Foundation - please note the scholarships are available to students who plan to attend community college or a four-year university, and also to students who plan to pursue post-secondary vocational training. 

National & Regional Scholarships

• SIXT Scholar Program offers five high school seniors the opportunity to receive a $5,000 scholarship and become a SIXT scholar. The program is designed to assist high school students who plan to continue their education in college. Scholarships are offered each year for full-time study at an accredited institution of the student’s choice.
• Latino Education & Advocacy Days (LEAD) Organization has again partnered with TheDream.US to help spread the word about college scholarships that are available to highly motivated DREAMers who want to get a college education but cannot afford it.
• The James M. & Erma T. Freemont Foundation will award thousands of dollars in scholarships for the 2019-20 academic year to students with a record of leadership and volunteerism in the community and participation in extracurricular school activities.
• The Edison Scholars Program recognizes students who want to be makers of tomorrow — the dreamers, inventors, guardians and pioneers — those who dare to be great. Each year, Edison International awards $40,000 college scholarships to 30 high school seniors to help them follow their dreams in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) and empower them to change the world.
• SuperMoney's Financial Literary Scholarship  To qualify students must:
  • Be enrolled full-time in high school as a senior or be a part-time or full-time student in a college, graduate school, trade school, or coding bootcamp.
  • Have an overall average GPA of at least 3.0.
  • Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
  • Upload an unofficial transcript or an enrollment verification document.

Federal Student Loans

A federal student loan allows students and their parents to borrow money to help pay for college through loan programs supported by the federal government. They usually have low interest rates and offer attractive repayment terms, benefits and options. Generally, repayment of a federal loan does not begin until after the student leaves school. Federal student loans can be used to pay school expenses such as tuition and fees, room and board, books, supplies and transportation.

Federal student loans are delivered to students through the Direct Loan Program. Loan funds are provided to you through your school.

Private Student Loans

A private student loan is a nonfederal loan issued by a lender such as a bank or credit union. Private student loans often have variable interest rates, require a credit check and do not provide the benefits of federal student loans.

Family Support

Send your family and friends your high school graduation invitations, along with a letter explaining your college intentions. They may just send you contributions to your college fund.