Fostering Independence Waiver

GENERAL INFORMATION

On June 28th, Pennsylvania passed a law, which will create the Fostering Independence Through Education Waiver. This will create a tuition and fee waiver for youth who were in foster care after the age of 16. 

KEY BENEFITS & FACTS:

• Creates a tuition and fee waiver for youth in foster care who are seeking an undergraduate degree at colleges and universities in Pennsylvania to reduce financial barriers.
• Creates points-of-contact at institutions to help eligible students identify and apply for financial aid, scholarships, gather verification documents, and access campus and community resources and support services.
• The program will begin in the Fall semester of 2020.
• The waiver cannot be used for dorm or meal plan charges.
• The waiver can be used for up to five years or until the age of 26.

ELIGIBILITY & CRITERIA: 

• Must have a high school diploma or have received an equivalent degree.
• Must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) while in college.
• Must be a Pennsylvania resident who is eligible for the PA Chafee Education and Training Grant Program. This includes: youth who were in foster care in PA at age 16 or older and “age out"; youth who are adopted or enter guardianship (PLC) arrangements from the PA child welfare system at age 16 or older.

HOW TO APPLY:

• The Pennsylvania Department of Education is currently developing guidelines on how students can apply for the tuition waiver. More information is expected to be available by the end of January 2020.
• Please contact Beth Kurtz (Assistant Director of Student Financial Services) at emkurtz@mblayst.com with any questions.

View Fostering Independence Brochure (.pdf)