Free College Tuition at OR Colleges for Former Foster Youth

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.

http://www.cffo.org/site/download/fact_sheets

http://www.ORYouthConnection.org/Free-Tuition

Foster Children Making A Difference

Raif, Mandy, and Micah are three young adults who aged out of the foster care system who are featured in the film; From Place to Place. The documentary follows the lives of those three as they try and change the foster care system. 

Their story brings to light the issues surrounding foster kids who age out of the system with out any help. The movie follow these youths throughout two years of their lives. In this time Micah is sentenced to three years in jail, Mandy gets her GED and goes to college, and Raif struggles to find love and happiness in his life.  

Mandy and Raif are also given an opportunity to make a difference by talking to members of The Senate Caucus of Foster Youth. They are able to tell their stories about the foster care system and what it's like to age out. After their time in D.C. they embark on journey across the country speaking about their experiences to people

In 2011 more than 27,000 children aged out of the system, when children age out of the system the majority of them are left with out any future support. These children are left vulnerable to many hardships in their adult life. Nationally 54 percent of these children graduate high school and an only 2 percent of kids will go on to receive a bachelors degree. An overwhelming 51 percent of aged-out kids are unemployed. In Oregon alone there were 255 children who aged out of the system in 2009.

These children are exposed to life with out any means of support and the statistics prove just how hard of a time they have. This is why Mandy and Raif's stories are so inspiring. They are amazing examples of foster care youth who are making a difference for foster children who age-out of the system.