Financial Aid & Emergency Programs for BC Students in Need
last update: August 14, 2021
A number of aid programs are available to students during these challenging times, from general financial aid programs to pandemic-specific emergency aid programs.
Students can always visit our Virtual Lobby Mon-Thurs 8a-4p at http://tiny.cc/falobby for assistance.
Federal Aid Programs - US Citizens, U.S. Nationals, or eligible non-citizens:
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): http://fafsa.ed.gov/
US Citizens, U.S. Nationals, or eligible non-citizens who complete a FAFSA application may qualify for the following Federal aid programs:
· Federal Pell Grant
· Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
· Federal Work Study & Loans
· California College Promise Grant (CCPG formerly BOG Fee Waiver) – Covers tuition
· Cal Grant
· Students w/ Dependents Cal Grant
· Completion Grant (for full-time students)
· Chafee Grant (for Foster Youth)
State Aid Programs Undocumented, AB-540 eligible California residents: California Dream Act Application (CADAA): https://dream.csac.ca.gov/
California Dream Act application may qualify for the following state programs:
· California College Promise Grant (CCPG formerly BOG Fee Waiver) – Covers tuition
· Cal Grant
· Students w/ Dependents Cal Grant
· Completion Grant (for full-time students)
· Chafee Grant (for Foster Youth)
In response to COVID-19, various state and federal emergency aid programs have been established. Eligibility criteria varies by fund. Aid amounts determined on a case-by-case basis.
Key Information to Know about Emergency Aid
· Students do not need to be in good Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standing
· Students do not always need to have completed a financial aid application (see fund for details)
· Students can get help clearing past due balances
Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF aka CARES Act) – STUDENTS MAY APPLY HERE
· Student has urgent need for funds as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
· Medical, food, utilities, technology, housing expenses and childcare as a result of the Coronavirus National Emergency
· Actively enrolled at Bakersfield College
Educational Recovery Support Grant – STUDENTS MAY APPLY HERE
· 21/22 FAFSA application encouraged (not required)
· Outstanding balance of $200 or more (although all students with a balance encouraged to apply)
Emergency Disaster Relief Emergency Fund - STUDENTS MAY APPLY HERE
· Student has urgent need for funds to relieve emergency disaster situation and demonstrate financial need.
· Residency Status is noted as AB-540 or DACA with the Admissions & Records Office (A&R) and exempt from paying nonresident tuition under Section 68130.5
· Have completed the valid California Dream Act Application, California College Promise Grant (CCPG) application, or applied for financial aid by other means established by the college.
· Student has declared Bakersfield College as his/her Home Location with Bakersfield College Admissions & Records (A&R)
· 3rd Party documentation required (Counselor, Coach, Instructor, etc.)
BC Student Emergency Fund (via BC Foundation) – By Faculty/Staff Referral Only
· Faculty or staff must submit a referral for a student to receive the application link
· A valid California Dream Act Application or Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the aid period in which the student is seeking funding
· A detailed statement of an urgent need for funds to relieve an emergency situation (does not have to be COVID related) & relevant documentation
· Active enrollment in at least 3 units at Bakersfield College
· Bakersfield College is declared as his/her Home Location with Admissions & Records (A&R)
Other Notable Programs
Chromebook/Electronic Equipment Advance - STUDENTS MAY APPLY HERE
Students in need of an electronic device for their studies should be encouraged to apply for the Chromebook program. Applicants will be reviewed within 72 business hours.
Document prepared by Jennifer Achan, Director of Financial Aid at Bakersfield College