By Raymond Nava
Assembly Bill 1746 made major reforms to the Cal Grant Program and created two new grant programs.
The two new programs are Cal Grant 2 for California Community Colleges and Cal Grant 4 for students attending a University of California, California State University or private college.
The bill was introduced by assembly members Jose Medina and Kevin McCarty, both Democrats, on Jan. 31.
The California State Assembly Committee on Higher Education held a hearing on AB 1746 on April 19 and provided an overview on what the bill would do and what the two new Cal Grant programs would require.
AB 1746 would establish the Cal Grant Reform Act. If passed, it would affect students applying beginning on October 1, 2023 and will award aid for the 2024-25 academic school year.
The Cal Grant 2 program would be awarded to anyone who is enrolled in a degree, certificate or transfer program at any California Community College.
Among some of the eligibility requirements, a student must be enrolled at least part-time at any CCC and maintain a satisfactory academic standing. Students must apply for Federal Student Aid or California Dream Act before Sept. 2, the year before the award year.
They must be a California resident or qualify for a waiver of nonresident tuition.
They must also establish their eligibility based on household income or other circumstances.
The Cal Grant 4 award is for students wishing to attend a UC, CSU or private college, and some requirements are the same as Cal Grant 2 with a few differences as well as other requirements.
To be eligible for Cal Grant 4, students must have a GPA of at least 2.0 on their high school or community college transcript.