Skip to main content

Willits High School

Financial Aid Information

Financial Aid Information

Grants:

  • A grant is a form of financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund, or you receive a TEACH Grant and don’t complete your service obligation). A variety of federal grants are available. For example:

    • California Chafee Grant - Grant for students who have been in the foster youth system. Eligibility: 

      • Be a current or former foster youth who was a ward of the court, living in foster care, for at least one day between the ages of 16 and 18.

      • Youth who are/were in Kin-GAP, a non-related legal guardianship, or were adopted, are eligible only if the youth was a dependent or ward of the court, living in foster care, for at least one day between the ages of 16 and 18.

      • Not have reached your 22nd birthday as of July 1st of the award year.

      • Click here to learn more about the CHAFEE Grant!

    • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

      • Awarded to undergraduates who demonstrate the highest financial need (must submit FAFSA to qualify). 

      • Administered directly by the financial aid office at each participating college.

      • Click here to learn more about FSEOG!

    • Federal Pell Grant

      • Awarded to students who demonstrate financial need to pay for their education after high school

      • To apply, simply check "yes" to the appropriate question on your FAFSA application

      • Your college financial aid office determines the size of the award

      • Click here to learn more about Pell Grants!

    • California College Promise Grant (CCPG)

      • Formerly known as the Board of Governors (BOG) fee waiver

      • Waives the enrollment fees and tuition for eligible California residents attending California Community College(s)

      • Qualification for the Promise Grant is verified through the FAFSA, CA Dream Act application, or CCPG application.

      • Click here to learn more about the CCPG!

    • Cal Grant

Scholarships: 

  • Many nonprofit and private organizations offer scholarships to help students pay for college or career school. This type of aid, which is sometimes based on academic merit, talent, or a particular area of study, can make a real difference in helping you manage your education expenses.

  • Contact the scholarship office at the schools you are planning to apply to. Most colleges offer their own scholarship opportunities.

  • Click here to learn about a multitude of financial aid and scholarship opportunities in California

  • The California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS) was launched in 2022 by the State of California with a clear mission: to help jumpstart college savings for children statewide by awarding scholarship accounts to youth across the state.

    Administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, CalKIDS takes the initiative by automatically offering children born in California and eligible public school students in California a CalKIDS Scholarship Account, along with other potential financial incentives. Click here to confirm your student's eligibility.

  • University of California (UC) Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan will ensure that you will not have to pay UC’s system-wide tuition and fees out of your own pocket if you are a California resident whose total family income is less than $80,000 a year and you qualify for financial aid. You must file a FAFSA to be eligible. 

  • University of California (UC) Native American Opportunity Plan:

    UC’s Native American Opportunity Plan ensures that in-state systemwide Tuition and Student Services Fees are fully covered for California students who are also enrolled in federally recognized Native American, American Indian, and Alaska Native tribes. This plan applies to undergraduate and graduate students.

  • Undergraduate families under $100,000 income will pay no tuition, room, or board at Stanford University beginning in 2023-2024.

    Check out the WHS Scholarship page to start looking for scholarships. Click Here!

Work Study: 

  • The Federal Work-Study Program allows you to earn money to pay for school by working part-time. You’ll earn at least the current federal minimum wage. However, you may earn more depending on the type of work you do and the skills required for the position. Your total work-study award depends on

    • when you apply,
    • your level of financial need, and
    • your school’s funding level.

  • Federal Work-Study programs available. Click here for more information!

Federal Loans: 

  • A loan is money you borrow and must pay back with interest. If you apply for financial aid, you may be offered loans as part of your school’s financial aid offer. When you receive a student loan, you are borrowing money to attend a college or career school. You must repay the loan as well as interest that accrues. It is important to understand your repayment options so you can successfully repay your loan.

  • Click here to learn more about federal loans!

  • STEP 1. Determine if you are eligible to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). 
  • STEP 2. Create an FSA ID if you will be completing the FAFSA. Students completing the CADAA will create a State Student Aid PIN while filling out the application. 
  • STEP 2. Apply using the FAFSA or CADAA between October 1st & March 2nd! 
  • STEP 3. Set up a WebGrants 4 Students account afterward to track your Cal Grant status
  • STEP 4. Inform your school counselor that you have submitted the FAFSA or Dream Act Application
  • The FAFSA is for students who: 
    • Demonstrate financial need for need-based federal student aid programs
    • Are a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen
    • Have a valid Social Security number or T-Visa
  • The California Dream Act Application is for students who are: 
    • Undocumented 
    • DACA recipients (valid or expired) 
    • Have a U visa or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) 

    • From mixed-status families

    • Meet the California non-resident tuition exemption or AB540 requirements 

      • AB 540 is a status that allows students to be considered a California resident for purposes of paying in-state tuition (instead of out-of-state tuition, which is much higher).

      • To qualify for AB 540, students must submit an AB 540 Affidavit indicating that they have: 

        • 3 years of coursework and 
        • 3 years of attendance at a combination of California elementary school, middle school, high school, adult school, or community college 

        • There is a short section in the CADAA that allows you to submit the AB 540 Affidavit. So,by completing the CADAA you also submit your AB 540 Affidavit!

  • Grants:

    • A grant is a form of financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund, or you receive a TEACH Grant and don’t complete your service obligation). A variety of federal grants are available. For example:

      • California Chafee Grant - Grant for students who have been in the foster youth system. Eligibility: 

        • Be a current or former foster youth who was a ward of the court, living in foster care, for at least one day between the ages of 16 and 18.

        • Youth who are/were in Kin-GAP, a non-related legal guardianship, or were adopted, are eligible only if the youth was a dependent or ward of the court, living in foster care, for at least one day between the ages of 16 and 18.

        • Not have reached your 22nd birthday as of July 1st of the award year.

        • Click here to learn more about the CHAFEE Grant!

      • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

        • Awarded to undergraduates who demonstrate the highest financial need (must submit FAFSA to qualify). 

        • Administered directly by the financial aid office at each participating college.

        • Click here to learn more about FSEOG!

      • Federal Pell Grant

        • Awarded to students who demonstrate financial need to pay for their education after high school

        • To apply, simply check "yes" to the appropriate question on your FAFSA application

        • Your college financial aid office determines the size of the award

        • Click here to learn more about Pell Grants!

      • California College Promise Grant (CCPG)

        • Formerly known as the Board of Governors (BOG) fee waiver

        • Waives the enrollment fees and tuition for eligible California residents attending California Community College(s)

        • Qualification for the Promise Grant is verified through the FAFSA, CA Dream Act application, or CCPG application.

        • Click here to learn more about the CCPG!

      • Cal Grant

    Scholarships: 

    • Many nonprofit and private organizations offer scholarships to help students pay for college or career school. This type of aid, which is sometimes based on academic merit, talent, or a particular area of study, can make a real difference in helping you manage your education expenses.

    • Contact the scholarship office at the schools you are planning to apply to. Most colleges offer their own scholarship opportunities.

    • Click here to learn about a multitude of financial aid and scholarship opportunities in California

    • The California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS) was launched in 2022 by the State of California with a clear mission: to help jumpstart college savings for children statewide by awarding scholarship accounts to youth across the state.

      Administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, CalKIDS takes the initiative by automatically offering children born in California and eligible public school students in California a CalKIDS Scholarship Account, along with other potential financial incentives. Click here to confirm your student's eligibility.

    • University of California (UC) Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan will ensure that you will not have to pay UC’s system-wide tuition and fees out of your own pocket if you are a California resident whose total family income is less than $80,000 a year and you qualify for financial aid. You must file a FAFSA to be eligible. 

    • University of California (UC) Native American Opportunity Plan:

      UC’s Native American Opportunity Plan ensures that in-state systemwide Tuition and Student Services Fees are fully covered for California students who are also enrolled in federally recognized Native American, American Indian, and Alaska Native tribes. This plan applies to undergraduate and graduate students.

    • Undergraduate families under $100,000 income will pay no tuition, room, or board at Stanford University beginning in 2023-2024.

      Check out the WHS Scholarship page to start looking for scholarships. Click Here!

    Work Study: 

    • The Federal Work-Study Program allows you to earn money to pay for school by working part-time. You’ll earn at least the current federal minimum wage. However, you may earn more depending on the type of work you do and the skills required for the position. Your total work-study award depends on

      • when you apply,
      • your level of financial need, and
      • your school’s funding level.

    • Federal Work-Study programs available. Click here for more information!

    Federal Loans: 

    • A loan is money you borrow and must pay back with interest. If you apply for financial aid, you may be offered loans as part of your school’s financial aid offer. When you receive a student loan, you are borrowing money to attend a college or career school. You must repay the loan as well as interest that accrues. It is important to understand your repayment options so you can successfully repay your loan.

    • Click here to learn more about federal loans!

    • STEP 1. Determine if you are eligible to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). 
    • STEP 2. Create an FSA ID if you will be completing the FAFSA. Students completing the CADAA will create a State Student Aid PIN while filling out the application. 
    • STEP 2. Apply using the FAFSA or CADAA between October 1st & March 2nd! 
    • STEP 3. Set up a WebGrants 4 Students account afterward to track your Cal Grant status
    • STEP 4. Inform your school counselor that you have submitted the FAFSA or Dream Act Application

    • The FAFSA is for students who: 
      • Demonstrate financial need for need-based federal student aid programs
      • Are a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen
      • Have a valid Social Security number or T-Visa
    • The California Dream Act Application is for students who are: 
      • Undocumented 
      • DACA recipients (valid or expired) 
      • Have a U visa or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) 

      • From mixed-status families

      • Meet the California non-resident tuition exemption or AB540 requirements 

        • AB 540 is a status that allows students to be considered a California resident for purposes of paying in-state tuition (instead of out-of-state tuition, which is much higher).

        • To qualify for AB 540, students must submit an AB 540 Affidavit indicating that they have: 

          • 3 years of coursework and 
          • 3 years of attendance at a combination of California elementary school, middle school, high school, adult school, or community college 

          • There is a short section in the CADAA that allows you to submit the AB 540 Affidavit. So,by completing the CADAA you also submit your AB 540 Affidavit!