Institutional Programs
Student Work Program
Students must be enrolled at Taft College to qualify for work. A faculty member, advisor or work supervisor may recommend the employment of the student.
Examples of on-campus jobs are clerk, grounds person, custodian, etc. The student is hired after completing required forms from the Financial Aid office.
Institutional policy limits students to 10 hours per week when school is in session. The hourly pay rate is at least equal to the current minimum wage. Checks are processed monthly.
To participate in the program students must maintain satisfactory academic progress and must be in good standing as determined by the college.
Additional information is provided under Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.
It is highly recommended all students complete the FAFSA or a California Dream Application.
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; must be approved for admission to Taft College and have applied by the third Friday of each semester. Applications are available via the Taft College website or in the Financial Aid Office and are returned to the same office. These applications are submitted each year.
Recipients are awarded contingent upon available funding and the students overall cost of attendance.
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 units with a 3.00 grade point average in the previous semester and enroll in 12 units or more in the next semester to maintain the Taft College Scholarship. A student can earn this scholarship a maximum of four semesters. It is highly recommended all students complete the FAFSA or a California Dream Application.
Taft College Non-Resident Scholarship
A student entering Taft College with a 3.00 or better cumulative grade point average and enrolls as a full-time student is eligible to receive the Non-resident scholarship for two semesters. This scholarship is applied to the non-resident tuition fees and can be earned a maximum of two semesters. To receive the second semester non-resident scholarship the student must maintain a 3.00 or better grade point average and re-enroll as a full-time student. A student who enters Taft College with a grade point average of less than 3.00 and earns a 3.00 or better at Taft College will receive a non-resident scholarship for one semester. It is highly recommended all students complete the FAFSA.
Taft College District High School Academic Merit Award
A $600 Merit Award is given to any graduating high school senior in the West Kern Community 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. A student will receive $300 the first semester of enrollment. In order to retain this award a student must pass 12 units with a 3.00 or better grade point average and enroll in 12 or more units the following semester. A Merit Award recipient is not eligible for the Taft College scholarship during the semesters of their 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 Office.
Community Scholarships
Various individuals, community organizations, and businesses annually provide scholarships to Taft College students. Applications are available in the Financial Aid 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.