Welcome to Hire UP
Overview
The Allan Hancock College Hire UP program is a pilot initiative that provides awards equivalent to a minimum-wage job for eligible students who are formerly incarcerated (Rising Scholars), CalWORKs recipients, or former foster youth (Guardian Scholars). The program helps students meet the true cost of attendance and focus on completing credential programs and entering the workforce. Funding is limited and may end at any time or when all grant funds are disbursed.
How It Works
Hire UP participants receive a financial aid award equal to working 20–40 hours per week at California’s minimum wage, allowing them to reduce or eliminate outside work and focus on their studies.
Calculating Award Amounts
Award amounts are based on enrollment status at the time of disbursement. Only active courses count toward total units; late-start classes count once they begin. Awards are calculated using California’s minimum wage multiplied by assigned weekly hours per enrollment level.
2025–2026 Award Amounts
| Enrolled units | Hours/week | Total award (17 weeks) | Monthly award (total ÷ 4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12+ | 40 | $16 × 40 × 17 = $10,880 | $2,720 |
| 9–11.99 | 30 | $16 × 30 × 17 = $8,160 | $2,040 |
| 6–8.99 | 20 | $16 × 20 × 17 = $5,440 | $1,360 |
| 0–5.99 | Ineligible | N/A | $0 |
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Hire UP, students must be one of the following:
- A Rising Scholars student released from incarceration within the last 3 years
- A former foster youth participating in Guardian Scholars
- A CalWORKs recipient
Additionally, students must:
- Be a U.S. citizen, eligible noncitizen, or AB 540 student
- Be enrolled in a certificate or degree program (minimum 6 units)
- Maintain good academic standing and financial aid eligibility
- Submit a FAFSA or CADAA and complete all required financial aid forms
- Have unmet financial need at Allan Hancock College (primary institution)
- Agree to share post-pilot employment and education updates
- Attend a required Hire UP Orientation
To remain eligible for Fall 2025–2026, students must:
- Stay enrolled in a certificate or degree program
- Remain active in CalWORKs, Rising Scholars, or Guardian Scholars
- Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Have participated in Spring 2025’s last disbursement
- Complete the required survey and the new Fall 2025 agreement
- Show academic progress from Fall 2024 to Spring 2025 (no withdrawals)
- Meet all Hire UP financial aid requirements and show unmet need
Hire UP Program is No Longer Accepting Applications
Who Determines Eligibility?
The EOPS+ program verifies eligibility based on information from CalWORKs, Rising Scholars, and Guardian Scholars staff. Once verified, eligible students will be referred to the orientation and self-certification process. The EOPS+ Director oversees the process but does not confirm individual eligibility, which is determined algorithmically.
Effects of Status Changes
If students drop units, future monthly payments will be adjusted. Those enrolled in fewer than 6 units lose eligibility for further aid that term (past payments are not revoked). Students removed from Rising Scholars or who stop receiving CalWORKs benefits also lose eligibility. Program staff must maintain accurate eligibility lists per each program’s Mutual Responsibility Contract.
Earning a Credential
The program’s goal is to help students earn a credential—certificate or degree—leading to transfer or employment. Once a student completes their credential, they are no longer eligible for Hire UP.
How Funds Are Disbursed
Hire UP awards are disbursed through BankMobile. Students must set refund preferences and ensure their address is current. Unclaimed or undeliverable awards at term’s end will be reallocated to future participants.
Retroactive Disbursements
No retroactive awards will be issued.