CA AB1721

Increases the annual limit of Competitive Cal Grant A and B awards from 25,750 to 34,000 awards, effective with the 2016-17 academic year.

Reserves 19,000 of the 34,000 competitive awards specifically for California community college students, with a September 2 application deadline in addition to the March 2 deadline.

Makes 15,000 awards available to all eligible students, including community college students, with a March 2 deadline for baccalaureate institutions and flexible deadlines (March 2 or September 2) for community college students.

Expresses legislative intent to expand financial aid access to low-income and needy students at California community colleges to help cover non-tuition costs such as textbooks, transportation, housing, and food.

Removes provisions related to eligibility of occupational or technical training programs and Cal Grant C award requirements that were included in earlier versions of the bill.