Most of us will agree that for former foster youth or those near
to aging out of foster care, a college education can be a wonderful stepping
stone for future success. However, only 2.5% of former foster youth earn a
bachelor's degree, compared to 19% of the general population, according to Oregon FosterYouth Connection,
a program of Children First for Oregon.
However, thanks to recent Oregon Legislature, paying for college
tuition for former foster youth is now easier than ever. A new Oregon law in place grants tuition and fee waivers to
foster care youth at Oregon
community colleges and public universities.
According to the Oregon FosterYouth Connection,
"The Oregon Legislature passed this law to address the unique needs of
foster youth. They wanted to send a message to these young adults—if you have
the grades, the motivation, and the dream to go to college, YOU CAN."
In order to receive the fee waiver, youth will need to
complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), making sure to
select the box indicating that the student was a ward of the court. The fee waiver
will apply to any balance leftover after Pell Grants, Oregon Opportunity
Grants, and other financial aid is applied. Eligible students will be
contacted by the Oregon Department of Human Services.
Recipients must meet certain requirements, such as completion
of 30 hours of community service each year they receive the waiver. Foster youth
and former youth must also have spent 12 or more months in foster care between
the ages of 16 and 21, then apply for the tuition waiver within 3 years of
leaving foster care or completing high school/GED, whichever comes first.
If you're interested in receiving more information,
including easy-to-read fact sheets, FAQ's, and instructions for applying, the
following sites have a wealth of information for parents and prospective recipients.
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