Paving the Path to College Aid: Expanding Access to the Cal Grant Program

Abstract

California’s Cal Grant Program provides grants to all eligible recent high school graduates. And while Cal Grant applications from high school students have increased, there are still many students who are eligible for aid but simply do not apply. This report explores how well California is supporting students in accessing Cal Grants; what successful states are doing to increase financial aid access; how California state, district, and county office leaders are working to increase Cal Grant access; and provides recommendations to further these efforts.