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The Hire UP Pilot Program was established in 2022 to provide stipends to:

• formerly incarcerated students

• CalWORKs recipients

• former foster youth

Hire UP is designed to help meet the true cost of college attendance and gain clear access to credential programs and workforce support needed to enter, participate and succeed in California’s economy.

Hire UP is currently available at 25 California community colleges across 10 community college districts. 

Use our College Locator to find one of the 25 participating California community colleges nearest you.

For a student to participate in the Hire UP program, you must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:

• U.S. citizens, eligible non-citizens, or exempt from paying nonresident tuition per 68130.5

• New or continuing student enrolled in a certificate or degree program.

• Maintain at least half-time enrollment in a certificate or degree program.

• Must submit a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application and complete the financial aid application process

• Remains in good academic standing per college policy.

• Agrees to share post-pilot employment and or further education information

• The student has self-certified they have been released from incarceration within the last three years and is a current participant in the Rising Scholars Network (or another dedicated reentry program); OR is a CalWORKs recipient; OR is a former foster youth.

Students who meet Hire UP eligibility requirements must apply to be part of the program. The application window is a local decision and varies by college.

For financial aid awarding purposes, the maximum stipend amount per term is the state minimum wage for each enrollment level hours.

Enrollment Level & Hours

6 - 8.99 Units: 20 Hours

9 - 11.00 Units: 30 Hours

12+ Units: 40 Hours

Stipends are disbursed to students at least once per month, though colleges may disburse stipends on a more frequent basis.

Stipends made to students are considered to be estimated financial assistance. Hire UP stipends along with any federal or state aid, may not exceed the student’s total cost of attendance.

The enrollment level must be verified before each disbursement, and stipend amounts must be adjusted if the enrollment level changes. Although students are not required to repay any portion of the stipend, they must be enrolled to receive it.