College Scholarships for Foster Youth
Paying for college in the United States presents challenges for most youth in America. According to a 2020 study, roughly 68 percent of parents of current high school seniors who are college-bound are even more worried about paying for their child's education due to the current inflation rates and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The cost of college has become even more of a burden due to recent events. For foster kids, the cost of college and the application process can be extremely daunting and presents unique challenges. Due to this fact, only 3-4 % of former foster children and youth obtain a four-year college degree. Additionally, between 2-6 % receive a two-year degree.
This is unfortunate, especially because a college education is becoming increasingly important for success in the workforce. Thankfully, many financial resources exist for foster children who want to earn a college degree. It is imperative to research options for post-secondary education for your child's welfare in the future. Keep reading to learn more options to fund your foster child's education.
Foster Youth Scholarships for College and University
The National Foster Parent Association
The National Foster Parent Association offers scholarships to assist foster parents and foster children in paying for higher education. Applicants for these scholarships must be seniors in high school.
Each applicant must submit a 300-500 word essay on how foster care has impacted their future educational goals. Applicants must also provide other materials, including a minimum of two letters of recommendation and a copy of their high school transcript. After the scholarship has been awarded to an applicant, they must provide proof of college acceptance and enrollment.
Family Fellowship Scholarship
The Family Fellowship Scholarship is a scholarship program that is dedicated to not only providing financial assistance for foster youth interested in pursuing higher education but also providing emotional support.
The scholarship program will assist with tuition, books, housing, and professional and emotional development. The scholarship program will award its recipients up to $12,000 annually for up to five years.
All-Star College Scholarship
The All-Star scholarship is awarded to children who were adopted out of the foster care system at or after age 13. Each year, UMPS Care Charities selects one student to receive $10,000 annually towards the cost of college expenses.
David E. Ballard, Living Legacy Scholarship
With the support of the Living Legacy Foundation, this scholarship commemorates David E. Ballard by providing $10,000 dollars in grants to youth who have been in the foster care system or experienced homelessness.
Foster Care To Success Scholarship
The Foster Care to Success scholarships are a group of scholarships that share one application. The money received from these scholarships can range from $ 2,500 to $ 5,000, based on need and high school academic performance.
Tuition Waivers For Foster Youth By State
Tuition waivers refer to a type of financial aid the state governments fund. Tuition waivers allow state public universities, not private ones, to waive the tuition fees for foster care youth. Tuition waivers tend to cover the remaining tuition after other aid has been processed, including scholarships and federal financial assistance, as determined by FASFA.
Currently, 35 states have a policy established surrounding tuition waivers for foster youth. Click on the link to find out about the financial support you could receive in your state.
Additional Ways to Find Financial Support for College and University
Here are some additional pathways to finding financial resources for youth in the foster care system.
Questbridge
Each year, Questbridge orchestrates a national college match. The Questbridge scholarship is for students who can demonstrate they have overcome adversity. This scholarship is a perfect choice for foster care youth.
It is also important that the applicant excels in high school academics. If the applicant did not do that well on paper, it is important they explain that they spent time attempting to do their best in school when applying for the scholarship.
Financial requirements for the Questbrige scholarship include that the applicant's parent or guardian make less than $65,000 dollars a year.
However, this number is not finite, so those who do not fit this criteria are still encouraged to apply. There will also be space on the application to explain your financial circumstances in case there are other financial burdens Uestbridge should take into account.
It is also crucial that the applicant research universities that Questbridge partners with. It is crucial because they will have to rank their match choices in the process.
It is also essential that the applicant have some idea about the field of study they intend to pursue at university or at least potential options. The applicant should also be prepared to write several short response answers, fill out extensive financial information, and write a 700-word essay.
If a student is matched to one of Questbridge's partner schools in the early decision match round, the student will receive a full four-year scholarship to the University. The student will also receive assistance with any other personal/travel spending.
The national college match application typically opens on August 1st and closes around the end of September. The application process is extensive; however, the opportunities provided by being matched to a school are more than worth it in the long term. Due to the length of the application, it is extremely important to get a head start.
Smaller Scholarships
Athletic Scholarships
Athletic scholarships to university can be a possibility for youth who excel in a sport they play in high school. If your child is interested in playing at the college level and receiving a scholarship to do so, encourage them to form supportive relationships with the athletic team at their school. Some universities may cover the cost of your child's education if they decide to play a sport for them.
