WISE Wildcats Coaching Program

Wellness. Independence. Skills. Education. 

WISE Wildcats is a one-semester housing stability program offering coaching services, financial literacy workshops, community, connection to resources, and a housing stipend for future change agents from first-generation and low-income backgrounds. The primary goal of the program is to support you in creating and maintaining a financial strategic plan that will sustain you all the way through graduation.

Eligibility 

1. Must have low-income status as calculated by your FAFSA or CADAA at the time of application;
2. Must be a first-generation college student (neither parent adoptive or natural has a four year degree); and
3. Must be an undergraduate degree-seeking student who will be in one of the following categories at program entry: a new first year student, new transfer student, or sophomore student. 

Housing Stipend

This program offers a one-year housing stipend of $2400 to help you transition to an independent and sustainable financial roadmap to graduation.

• All participants will receive a $1200 housing stipend shortly before their program semester begins.
• Only participants who meet all program requirements during their first semester will be awarded an additional $1200 to be disbursed the following semester.
• Note - Students who receive a Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) may receive a smaller housing stipend in some cases. 

Program Requirements

Participants commit to 25 hours of program-related activities to be completed by the end of your first semester. Proof of completion of the required activities will be required to receive the second installment of your housing stipend.  Your Participant Program Agreement includes:

1. Individual sessions with a financial paraplanner, basic needs peer coach, and peer housing navigator;
2. Active participation in specific workshops and activities; and
3. Attendance at the two-day WISE Start Summit.
4. Willingness to adhere to Chico State's Community Agreements 

WISE Start Summit

The WISE Start Summit is where your journey begins. You will meet program staff, connect with your peer coaches, and build community with other participants. You will also receive financial wellness education designed to empower you with skills, resources, and a positive money mindset.  This is a mandatory requirement of this program - please only apply if you are willing and able to attend. 

Fall 2026 WISE Start Summit - August 20-21, 2026

In-Person at Chico State (meals provided)

Thursday, August 20 from 1 - 6 pm
and
Friday, August 21 from 9 am - 2 pm 

Questions 

If you have questions about the eligibility requirements, application process, or the program itself, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page. 

Application

Space in this program is limited and the application process is competitive. Applications received by the priority deadline will be reviewed first. 

Fall 2026 Priority Application Deadline is June 5, 2026

WISE Wildcats Application(opens in new window)