3 answers
sally
Student
Spring Grove, Illinois
1
Question
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Foster care and College tuition?
I'm trying to become a nurse with a BSN. Does anyone know if being in foster care in Illinois qualifies you for free tuition in order to get a bachelor's degree?
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3 answers
Gina Cabrera
EC
130
Answers
Hernando, Florida
Updated
Gina’s Answer
In Illinois, there are programs that provide financial assistance for higher education to individuals who have been in foster care. One such program is the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Scholarship Program. This program offers financial support for tuition and fees, as well as other educational expenses, to eligible youth who have been in the care of DCFS.
To qualify for the DCFS Scholarship Program, you must meet certain criteria, including being in the care of DCFS on or after your 16th birthday, being enrolled in an eligible Illinois college or university, and meeting academic progress requirements. It's important to note that eligibility and specific benefits may vary, so it's recommended to contact the DCFS or the financial aid office of the college or university you plan to attend for detailed information.
Additionally, there may be other scholarships or financial aid opportunities available specifically for individuals who have been in foster care. It's worth researching and reaching out to organizations, foundations, and advocacy groups that support foster youth to inquire about any available resources.
Remember to thoroughly research and verify the information provided by the relevant authorities to ensure accurate and up-to-date details regarding tuition assistance for foster youth in Illinois.
Use this link for more details https://dcfs.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dcfs/documents/brighter-futures/education-resources-for-youth-in-care/tuition-and-fee-waiver-tip-sheet.pdf
To qualify for the DCFS Scholarship Program, you must meet certain criteria, including being in the care of DCFS on or after your 16th birthday, being enrolled in an eligible Illinois college or university, and meeting academic progress requirements. It's important to note that eligibility and specific benefits may vary, so it's recommended to contact the DCFS or the financial aid office of the college or university you plan to attend for detailed information.
Additionally, there may be other scholarships or financial aid opportunities available specifically for individuals who have been in foster care. It's worth researching and reaching out to organizations, foundations, and advocacy groups that support foster youth to inquire about any available resources.
Remember to thoroughly research and verify the information provided by the relevant authorities to ensure accurate and up-to-date details regarding tuition assistance for foster youth in Illinois.
Use this link for more details https://dcfs.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dcfs/documents/brighter-futures/education-resources-for-youth-in-care/tuition-and-fee-waiver-tip-sheet.pdf
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1187
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Sally !
Since your state's guideline is foster care until age 21, this is certainly a good time to obtain information about this. You have several options including opting for community college which would be less expensive and than transferring to a four year university. However, your state of Illinois does indeed offer free tuition for those in foster care.
Your first step when you are ready to enroll is to visit the admissions office at the college you will attend. You need to ask them for the free tuition waiver for foster care students. You may want to bring with you ID and any documentation that verifies that you are receiving foster care. Call the college beforehand and ask about the details.
The way it works is that you need to apply to a lot of scholarships which will pay for some of the tuition. I am not sure how it works if students do not apply, but you may be advised by the school to apply for as many scholarships as possible. After they know the amount of scholarship money you received the waiver will take care of the remainder of the tuition. But definitely ask the college what happens if you receive no scholarships. I pretty much think the waiver would take care of the entire tuition, but ask and double check to be sure.
I have left some links to scholarship opportunities for you below and there are a lot more online, too. And guess what ? Even if you're still in college when you age out, you can still get scholarships as a student who previously received foster care. It's all so worthwhile looking into !
I would also advise contacting or having your foster parent contact your Case Worker at the Department of Children and Family Services, the office that your case originated from, because they may have additional resources that could help you as a college student. You may be advised by the overseeing offices and the college to also apply for financial aid as well, which should not be an issue because your tuition would be covered by the waiver regardless of how much you can contribute to the cost through financial aid and or scholarships. If you follow the advice given by the college, you will most assuredly not have to pay anything of your own money for tuition. I hope this serves as a preliminary to follow up for you for more information to come !
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS IN FOSTER CARE https://www.foster-progress.org/financial-aid-for-foster-youth-in-illinois-dcfs-programs
MORE SCHOLARSHIPS https://www.collegescholarships.org/scholarships/foster.htm
SCHOLARSHIPS - STUDENTS IN FOSTER CARE https://www.fc2success.org/programs/scholarships-and-grants/
SCHOLARSHIPS - FOSTER CARE STUDENTS https://www.bestcolleges.com/financial-aid/foster-youth-scholarships/
Since your state's guideline is foster care until age 21, this is certainly a good time to obtain information about this. You have several options including opting for community college which would be less expensive and than transferring to a four year university. However, your state of Illinois does indeed offer free tuition for those in foster care.
Your first step when you are ready to enroll is to visit the admissions office at the college you will attend. You need to ask them for the free tuition waiver for foster care students. You may want to bring with you ID and any documentation that verifies that you are receiving foster care. Call the college beforehand and ask about the details.
The way it works is that you need to apply to a lot of scholarships which will pay for some of the tuition. I am not sure how it works if students do not apply, but you may be advised by the school to apply for as many scholarships as possible. After they know the amount of scholarship money you received the waiver will take care of the remainder of the tuition. But definitely ask the college what happens if you receive no scholarships. I pretty much think the waiver would take care of the entire tuition, but ask and double check to be sure.
I have left some links to scholarship opportunities for you below and there are a lot more online, too. And guess what ? Even if you're still in college when you age out, you can still get scholarships as a student who previously received foster care. It's all so worthwhile looking into !
I would also advise contacting or having your foster parent contact your Case Worker at the Department of Children and Family Services, the office that your case originated from, because they may have additional resources that could help you as a college student. You may be advised by the overseeing offices and the college to also apply for financial aid as well, which should not be an issue because your tuition would be covered by the waiver regardless of how much you can contribute to the cost through financial aid and or scholarships. If you follow the advice given by the college, you will most assuredly not have to pay anything of your own money for tuition. I hope this serves as a preliminary to follow up for you for more information to come !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3956
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Sally,
Here's your response:
While being a foster care recipient in Illinois doesn't automatically grant free tuition for a bachelor's degree, there are specific programs and financial assistance available to help those from foster care pursue higher education.
In Illinois, if you're a former foster youth, you may qualify for the following support:
1. Educational Training Voucher (ETV): This program offers financial aid to current and former foster youth to cover college costs like tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. Eligible students can get up to $5,000 annually.
2. Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Scholarships: DCFS provides scholarships to current and former foster youth planning to attend college or vocational school. These scholarships can cover tuition, fees, room and board, books, and other education-related expenses.
3. Chafee Grant: This federal program provides financial aid to current and former foster youth for post-secondary education or training programs. Eligible students can get up to $5,000 annually.
4. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): If you've been in foster care, you may qualify for extra financial aid through the FAFSA application process. Filling out the FAFSA can help you access federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
If you're a foster care recipient pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing or any other field, it's crucial to explore these resources and talk to your school’s financial aid office to understand all the funding options for your education.
Here are the top 3 authoritative sources used:
1. Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS): The DCFS website has information on scholarships and support programs for current and former foster youth in Illinois.
2. U.S. Department of Education - Federal Student Aid: This website provides details on federal financial aid programs like the Chafee Grant and the FAFSA application process.
3. National Association of State Foster Care Managers: This organization offers resources and guidance on educational opportunities and support for individuals from foster care.
May God bless you!
JC.
Here's your response:
While being a foster care recipient in Illinois doesn't automatically grant free tuition for a bachelor's degree, there are specific programs and financial assistance available to help those from foster care pursue higher education.
In Illinois, if you're a former foster youth, you may qualify for the following support:
1. Educational Training Voucher (ETV): This program offers financial aid to current and former foster youth to cover college costs like tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. Eligible students can get up to $5,000 annually.
2. Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Scholarships: DCFS provides scholarships to current and former foster youth planning to attend college or vocational school. These scholarships can cover tuition, fees, room and board, books, and other education-related expenses.
3. Chafee Grant: This federal program provides financial aid to current and former foster youth for post-secondary education or training programs. Eligible students can get up to $5,000 annually.
4. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): If you've been in foster care, you may qualify for extra financial aid through the FAFSA application process. Filling out the FAFSA can help you access federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
If you're a foster care recipient pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing or any other field, it's crucial to explore these resources and talk to your school’s financial aid office to understand all the funding options for your education.
Here are the top 3 authoritative sources used:
1. Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS): The DCFS website has information on scholarships and support programs for current and former foster youth in Illinois.
2. U.S. Department of Education - Federal Student Aid: This website provides details on federal financial aid programs like the Chafee Grant and the FAFSA application process.
3. National Association of State Foster Care Managers: This organization offers resources and guidance on educational opportunities and support for individuals from foster care.
May God bless you!
JC.