For Virginia youth in foster care or transitioning out, adoptive parents, kinship caregivers, local departments of social services (LDSS) staff and community partners.
The Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program helps eligible youth continue their education or job training after high school or General Education Development (GED). The program provides up to $5,000 each year to reduce financial barriers to college or training and support a successful move into adulthood.
ETV funds can be combined with other grants or scholarships to reduce or remove the need for student loans.
Funds may cover:
Every youth in care and participating in Fostering Futures, age 14 -21, must have a written transition plan based on their needs.
Eligible ETV students must also:
Students can receive ETV funding for up to five years until their 26th birthday. Students must apply each year to remain eligible.
If youth were in foster care in another state: Contact that state for ETV information. Find contact list here.
Tuition Waiver for 4-Year Colleges
Virginia law (VA Code 23.1-601) provides free tuition, mandatory fees and room and board at all public 4-year colleges and universities in Virginia for eligible youth with foster care experience. Each school has a point of contact for admissions and financial aid. Reach out to Youth Service staff at VA.ILP@dss.virginia.gov for more information.
The Great Expectations program supports youth with foster care experience at community colleges across Virginia. Each student is paired with a coach who provides mentoring, academic advising and support with challenges like transportation, scheduling, career planning and budgeting.
Learn about Great Expectations here.
Help ensure that no eligible youth misses out on education support.
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