Institutional Programs
Work-Study Program
The Work-Study Program provides on campus jobs for eligible students to earn money to help pay for educational expenses, learn/enhance employment skills and gain valuable experience. Institutional Work-Study is a non-need based program, meaning it does not count towards your cost of attendance. The hourly rate is at least the current state minimum wage. The total work-study award depends on the amount of money the school has for the program and enrollment status. Taft College students currently enrolled may work up to a maximum of 20 hours per week.
To participate in the program, students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress as determined by the college. Additional information is provided under the Taft College Federal Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (hard copies are available in the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office).
Taft College Scholarship Programs
A Scholarship Program has been established at Taft College. The Board of Trustees of the West Kern Community College District determines funds available for this program annually.
Criteria for Scholarships
To qualify, a student must show excellence in past academic achievement by receiving a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average or better, in either high school or 12 or more units of college work in the last semester enrolled.
Taft College Scholarship
A $125 per semester scholarship is given to California residents or AB540 students who meet the scholarship criteria. A recipient must maintain a 3.00 cumulative grade point average, pass 12 or more units with a 3.00 grade point average in the previous semester and enroll in 12 units or more in the next semester. A student can earn this scholarship a maximum of four semesters. It is highly recommended all students complete the FAFSA or a California Dream Act Application.
Taft College Non-Resident Scholarship
A Non-Resident student entering Taft College with a 3.00 or better high school cumulative grade point average or a 3.00 cumulative grade point average as a full-time college student the previous term and enrolls as a full-time student is eligible to receive the Non-Resident scholarship. The student must attend on-campus to receive the Non-Resident scholarship. This scholarship is applied to Non-Resident tuition and can be earned a maximum of two semesters. To receive the second semester Non-Resident scholarship the student must have passed 12 or more units and maintain a 3.00 or better cumulative grade point average and re-enroll as a full-time student. A Non-Resident student who enters Taft College as a full time student with a cumulative grade point average of less than 3.00 and earns a 3.00 or better in 12 or more units at Taft College and re-enrolls as a full time student may receive a Non-Resident scholarship for one semester. It is highly recommended all students complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application.
Taft College District High School Academic Merit Award
A $600 Academic Merit Award is given to any graduating high school senior in the West Kern Community College District (Taft and Maricopa High Schools) who has a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or better and enrolls in 12 or more units at Taft College as a first time college student, within one year of receiving the award. The student will receive $300 the first semester of enrollment. In order to retain this award, a student must pass 12 units or more with a 3.00 or better cumulative grade point average and enroll in 12 or more units the following semester. An Academic Merit Award recipient is not eligible for the Taft College Scholarship during the semesters of their Academic Merit Award eligibility. No financial aid form is required however a final high school transcript IS required. Additional information can be obtained in the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office.
Community Scholarships
Various individuals, community organizations, and businesses annually provide scholarships to Taft College students. Applications are available in the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office or on our web site at www.taftcollege.edu. Scholarship awards are presented at the college’s scholarship/awards luncheon. Most awards require confirmation of subsequent enrollment in a post-secondary institution before the scholarship is paid.
Outside Scholarships
There are many outside scholarships available to qualified students. Business firms, organizations and four-year colleges provide scholarships for students. Notices regarding scholarship opportunities are posted throughout the year on the website. The college library is also an excellent source of information regarding scholarship opportunities. As a resource, Taft College posts information and website links of outside scholarships. Taft College does not endorse any specific site.