January 17, 2002
Dear Californian:

I need your help!

As you may know, the Legislature enacted historic legislation two years ago, granting tens of thousands of students the opportunity to attend college (Senate Bill 1644, Ortiz, Chapter 403 of 2000).

Simply stated, the new Cal Grant program will make the possibility of college a reality for countless students who may not otherwise have had any hope of attending college. This revamped program, administered by the California Student Aid Commission, is now available to those who meet the eligibility requirements.

There are two types of Cal Grants, A and B. Cal Grant A recipients must have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0. They can receive an annual award, for up to four years, to help cover the cost of tuition and fees. Cal Grant A provides up to $1,428 for California State University students, $3,429 for University of California students and up to $9,708 for those who attend private colleges and universities. To qualify, students must meet income requirements. For example, a family of four must have an annual income of less than $68,202.

Cal Grant B recipients must have a GPA of 2.0. In the first year, students can receive a stipend of $1,551. In subsequent years, Cal Grant B students may receive the stipend as well as the funds to help cover tuition and fees. To qualify for a Cal Grant B, the income of a family of four must fall below $35,857.

Community college transfer students need to earn at least a 2.4 GPA and be eligible to transfer to a four-year institution to be entitled to an award.
However, last year, thousands of students failed to receive an award because they did not fill out the necessary applications. In fact, the Cal Grant program had to return about $35 million to the state general fund because too few high school students applied.

We can't let this happen again!

I started the College Opportunity and Outreach Program (COOP) last year to help inform California's high school students about the new Cal Grant program. Since then, I have been visiting high schools around the state to let students know of this unprecedented opportunity. Please help me spread the word by ensuring that the high school students, parents and community members you know are aware of this incredible new state program to help individuals afford college. March 2nd is the deadline for high school students to apply.

Please visit my Web site at www.ltg.ca.gov for more information regarding the Cal Grant program. You may also access a Cal Grant flier with application instructions at
http://www.csac.ca.gov/pubs/forms/grnt_frm/engcgflyer.pdf.

Apply for Cal Grants by March 2.

If you have any questions, please call Matt Siverling or Kevin McCarty of my staff at (916) 445-8994.

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