Resources Hub

Ongoing scholarship support for foster youth enrolled in four-year college degree programs. The Power to Soar Foundation provides financial assistance tied to academic progress, helping students complete their bachelor’s degrees. Scholarships cover tuition, books, housing, and other educational expenses not covered by other aid. Students receive personalized support and mentorship throughout their college journey. Available […]

Special grant program for high school seniors in foster care who are applying to four-year college programs. Apply during your senior year of high school when submitting applications to four-year colleges. This grant helps bridge the gap between high school and college, covering application fees, college visits, testing costs, and initial college expenses. Designed to […]

Emergency assistance program providing rapid-response grants for urgent needs that are not covered by traditional financial aid. Spot Grants address unexpected expenses like emergency housing, medical costs, transportation breakdowns, technology needs, or other critical situations that could derail a student’s education. Fast application process ensures students can stay focused on their studies rather than crisis […]

Dedicated funding to help foster youth take summer courses, allowing students to stay on track for graduation, lighten their course load during regular semesters, or explore new academic interests. Summer classes can be critical for foster youth who may have had educational disruptions. Grants cover tuition, books, and related expenses for summer enrollment at accredited […]

Funding program supporting undergraduate students who experienced foster care, covering housing, meals, and college attendance costs at SUNY, CUNY, or private colleges with HEOP programs. NY residents who spent time in foster care after 13th birthday or are orphans are eligible. Submit FYCSI consent form to FCY4College@ocfs.ny.gov or contact fosteryouth@nysed.gov.

Provides up to $5,000 per year based on cost of attendance. Youth must enroll before their 21st birthday and can continue receiving assistance until age 26. Eligible for CHINS and Probation youth who turn 18 in foster care or were adopted/guardianship after age 16.

Awards $5,000 per academic year for undergraduate and graduate students who were in foster care, aged out, exited through guardianship/adoption after age 16, or were in care after age 14. Complete FAFSA annually and contact college financial aid office to apply.

Awards ranging from $300 to $1,000 for youth who aged out of foster care. Eligible for youth ages 18-22 who are currently in NY foster care or aged out after age 18. Contact admin@ChafeeNY.org for information.

Comprehensive support program for current and former foster youth at Sonoma State. Provides academic advising, priority registration, year-round housing support, emergency funds, textbook assistance, mentoring, and community building. PSF Partner Program ensures coordinated support for PSF scholarship recipients. Students receive personalized guidance from dedicated staff who understand the unique needs of foster youth.

Holistic support program offering case management, academic counseling, priority registration, housing resources, emergency funding, career development, and peer community. PSF Partner Program coordinates with Power to Soar Foundation to provide wraparound support. Services include assistance with financial aid, connection to campus resources, and dedicated space for foster youth to study and connect.

Federal program providing up to $5,000 per year for post-secondary education and training for youth who experienced foster care after age 14. Youth can receive assistance until age 26, for a maximum of 5 years total. Eligibility includes youth in or formerly in foster care after age 14, and youth adopted or in guardianship at […]

Awards over $15 million annually in scholarships and ETV funding to foster youth pursuing higher education. Provides scholarships up to $8,000 annually plus e-mentoring, care packages, and ongoing support. Administers ETV programs in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, and Washington DC. Youth must have been in foster care for at least 12 […]

Provides up to $5,000 per year for eligible foster youth attending California colleges, universities, vocational schools, or out-of-state schools. Limited to 5 years total. Eligible youth must have been ward of court for at least one day between ages 16-18, be under age 26 as of July 1 of award year, enrolled at least half-time, […]

Annual scholarships for youth from foster, adoptive, or kinship families pursuing college or vocational education. High school seniors apply by submitting an essay on how foster care impacted their goals, plus references and transcripts. Awards typically range from several hundred to a few thousand dollars annually, recognizing achievements of youth in care.

Comprehensive scholarship program providing up to $12,000 per year for up to five years to cover tuition, housing, and related college costs for foster youth. Goes beyond financial support by pairing recipients with dedicated mentors and a supportive community network. Provides both funding and emotional support plus professional development opportunities throughout the college journey.

Annual $10,000 per year scholarship for students adopted from foster care at age 13 or older. One recipient selected annually to receive funding toward college expenses, recognizing resilience and supporting older adoptees from foster care in affording higher education.

$10,000 grant for youth who experienced foster care or homelessness pursuing higher education, particularly in fields like music or the arts. Created in memory of David E. Ballard and administered through House of Blues Music Forward Foundation, supporting artistic and creative pursuits for vulnerable youth.

Over 30 U.S. states offer tuition waivers for students with foster care experience, allowing eligible former foster youth to attend public community colleges or universities tuition-free. States including Florida, Texas, Illinois, California, Washington, and others provide full tuition/fee waivers, typically requiring youth were in care at age 16+ and applying before age 23-26. Each state’s […]

Statewide program offering financial support and comprehensive resources for current/former foster youth at California community colleges. Includes books, supplies, transportation, tutoring, food, emergency housing assistance, priority registration, and counseling services. Youth must have been in foster care in any state for at least one day on or after their 13th birthday, be enrolled or planning […]

Provides up to $5,000 per year for post-secondary education and training. Youth may receive funding until age 26 for maximum of 5 years. Eligible youth include current/former foster youth or those with adoption/guardianship after age 13, and must be age 25 or younger to apply. Online applications through Oregon Student Aid Commission with different deadlines […]

Searchable database listing all foster youth services at California colleges and universities. Includes planning guides, checklists, video tutorials on financial aid and housing, and scholarship opportunities specifically for foster youth.

National nonprofit connecting foster youth ages 16+ and transition-age alumni to critical resources and life opportunities through an online portal. Provides free laptops, cell phones, tablets, and internet access to support education. Operates iFoster Jobs Program for employment placement, partnerships for grocery and housing support, and job training/internship opportunities. Eliminates barriers by providing technology and […]

Free life skills assessment and comprehensive toolkit for foster youth age 14+ to build skills needed for independent living. Youth evaluate their strengths and gaps across seven key areas: daily living (cooking, cleaning), self-care, relationships, work/study life, housing & money management, social connections, and planning/goal setting. After assessment, youth receive personalized reports and can access […]

National nonprofit providing free, long-term therapy to current and former foster youth across many states. Network of licensed volunteer mental health clinicians commit to seeing one foster youth in weekly therapy at no cost for as long as needed. No strict age limits – clients range from children to adults in their 20s and 30s. […]

Under the Affordable Care Act, youth who aged out of foster care at age 18 (or higher if state extends care) are eligible for free health insurance (Medicaid) until age 26, regardless of income. Ensures foster youth have healthcare coverage in young adulthood similar to peers staying on parent’s insurance. Covers doctor visits, mental health […]

Matched savings program supporting youth ages 14-26 transitioning from foster care. Provides comprehensive financial education curriculum “Keys to Your Financial Future” (8 modules), Individual Development Accounts with dollar-for-dollar matching, career development, and support in housing, education, employment, and permanency. Over 4,400 youth have saved $7+ million and purchased $16+ million in assets. Operates in 16 […]

Dedicated program supporting foster youth with academic advising, priority registration, book vouchers, emergency funding, housing assistance, laptop loans, and community events. PSF Partner Program ensures coordinated care for PSF scholars. Staff provides personalized support and advocacy, helping students navigate college systems and access all available resources.

California-based comprehensive financial literacy program with three progressive levels: Financial Fitness 101 (self-paced online curriculum with financial coaching), Financial Fitness 102 (8-week group workshop with matched savings), and Financial Fitness 103 (advanced investing education with up to $4,500 in matched savings for investment accounts). Eligible for transition age foster youth in California.

Comprehensive support including academic counseling, priority registration, housing coordination, emergency funds, textbook assistance, laptop loans, career services, and social events. PSF Partner Program works directly with Power to Soar Foundation to support funded students. Program creates a supportive community where foster youth can thrive academically and personally.

HUD Housing Choice Vouchers for youth ages 18-24 who left foster care or will leave within 90 days and are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Provides up to 36 months of rental assistance plus supportive services through partnership between Public Housing Agencies and Public Child Welfare Agencies. Contact your local Public Housing Agency to […]

Official guidance from the Department of Education on completing FAFSA as a foster youth. Foster youth qualify as independent students, making them eligible for Pell Grants and other federal aid without needing to provide parental information. This designation significantly increases financial aid eligibility and simplifies the application process.

Provides subsidized housing, life skills training, and supportive services for current and former foster youth to successfully transition to independence. Includes case management, life skills training, and employment support to reduce risks of homelessness, unemployment, and instability.

Comprehensive guide to completing FAFSA for foster youth in California, including verification letter information and financial aid resources. Provides guidance on differences between filing FAFSA versus CADAA (California Dream Act Application).

John Burton Advocates for Youth provides comprehensive resources and advocacy for housing solutions for foster youth. Includes information on applying for housing programs, understanding tenant rights, accessing emergency housing funds, and navigating homelessness prevention services. Offers toolkits for youth, advocates, and policymakers on creating and accessing supportive housing specifically designed for transition-age foster youth.

Provides step-by-step FAFSA guidance specifically designed for foster youth, plus offers free tablets for youth who complete their FAFSA. Accessible guides available via phone to walk through the entire application process.

National network providing resources, peer support, college preparation tools, and leadership development for youth in foster care. Offers the AllStar Internship program (6-week hybrid professional development including 2 weeks in-person in Oregon), Outstanding Young Leader Awards, and comprehensive online resources covering college planning tools, peer networking, advocacy training, internships, and career development.

California law allowing foster youth to remain in care until age 21 (instead of aging out at 18) if meeting work or education participation requirements. Young adults ages 18-20 in Extended Foster Care continue receiving placement support (housing assistance or foster home), monthly stipend, case management, and Medi-Cal while attending college, vocational training, or working […]

Illinois-focused program providing one-on-one college-educated mentors who help youth finish high school and navigate college applications and financial aid. Youth earn $100 in scholarship money each time they meet with their mentor. Includes gap-year program, trainings for professionals, and policy advocacy. Eligible for Illinois youth currently or formerly in foster care.

Centralized state resource hub providing comprehensive information on college and career success including financial aid guidance, college preparation resources, and connections to support services. Contact CFSChafeeETV@dss.ca.gov or (916) 651-7465.

Comprehensive multi-agency guide developed by U.S. Departments of Education, HHS, HUD, DOT, and DOL to support foster youth pursuing college and career opportunities. Includes tips on financial aid, money management, mentoring, job support, healthcare, and housing.

Life coaching for foster youth ages 14-23 in Minnesota (Hennepin, Anoka, Scott, and Carver counties). Provides Independent Living Skills (ILS) training, supportive services for FYI voucher recipients, education and employment support, housing assistance, and Youth Leadership Council for statewide policy involvement. ILS classes cover budgeting, apartment leasing, meal prep, and auto repair.

Partnership program ensuring foster youth have successful outcomes in housing, education, employment, community engagement, and health. Features Individual Development Accounts with dollar-for-dollar matching, youth boards for leadership training, community partner board, and stipends for participation.

Advocacy and programming focused on mental health access for foster youth including trauma-informed workshops, DJay’s Corner wellness space at conferences, and policy advocacy for expanded Medicaid coverage and alternative therapies. Co-authored federal policy paper on alternative mental health therapies.

Connection to specialty mental health services for foster youth. Up to 80% of children in foster care have significant mental health challenges. Provides linkage to Medi-Cal mental health services, EPSDT benefits, screening and assessment programs.

Community and home-based mental health services for children, youth, and families involved in foster care in Northern California (San Francisco Bay Area and Greater Sacramento). Provides Trauma-Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Triple P Positive Parenting, and therapeutic visitation services for family reunification support and placement stabilization.

Comprehensive mental health services including Mental Health Screening Tool (MHST), Intensive Field Capable Clinical Services (IFCCS), Wraparound services, Foster & Kinship Urgent Response System (FURS – 24/7 hotline at 1-833-939-3877), and Foster Youth Substance Abuse Treatment Program.

Youth who left foster care at age 18 or older qualify for Medicaid coverage until age 26 in most states. Provides comprehensive health coverage including mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and preventive care. Youth must have had Medicaid at time of exit from foster care.

Magazine written by and for teens in foster care, featuring first-person stories by youth sharing real experiences and hard-earned lessons. Published by Youth Communication in NYC, topics range from living with new foster families and handling feelings of abandonment to successes like getting into college or learning to trust again. Stories provide inspiration and practical […]

Youth-led advocacy organization empowering current and former foster youth ages 14-24 to be leaders and drive systemic change in California’s foster care system. Organized in chapters statewide, CYC holds conferences and annual “Day at the Capitol” where youth share experiences directly with legislators to work on policy solutions. Provides training in public speaking, policy analysis, […]

National network connecting former foster youth (18+) for peer support and advocacy. Chapters across the country host events where alumni share stories to inspire younger youth and work with child welfare officials to reform practices. Provides platform for those who “been there” to guide systemic improvements and mentor current foster youth. Recognizes that lived experience […]

Centralized resource hub specifically addressing housing challenges for foster youth in college. Provides comprehensive information on year-round housing options, campus housing for foster youth during breaks, emergency housing assistance, housing voucher programs, and connections to local housing resources. Includes guides on tenant rights, housing applications, and problem-solving housing instability while in school.

National grassroots organization founded in 2012 by Mayor Karen Bass empowering current and former foster youth to use lived experiences to drive systemic policy change. Offers Congressional Shadow Day program (550+ youth brought to DC), Congressional Leadership Academy, paid internships, local chapters (including LA Chapter), and National Foster Youth & Alumni Policy Council. Has achieved […]

Comprehensive training, services, and benefits to assist current and former foster youth in achieving self-sufficiency before and after leaving foster care. Includes housing support, life skills training, and transition planning.

Six-week hybrid professional development program for youth with lived experience in foster care. Includes 2 weeks in-person in Oregon and 4 weeks virtual. Participants receive leadership training, learn to amplify foster youth perspectives, affect systemic change through advocacy and activism, and develop professional skills. Recognized as national leaders who influence policy and practice. High-speed internet […]

Supervised Independent Living (SIL) program allowing young adults to live independently with casework support. Provides up to $2,000 one-time transitional allowance for school, housing, transportation, or utilities. FYI Housing Choice Vouchers available in some counties for youth ages 18-24. Contact (501) 320-6012.

Annual recognition program honoring 50 young people with foster care experience who demonstrate leadership and advocacy. Ceremony celebrates their achievements and contributions to the foster care community.

Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) program, Extended Foster Care, Supervised Independent Living, and Transition Centers providing one-stop services for youth ages 15½-25. Includes housing assistance, job readiness, college enrollment support, and $1,000 Transitional Living Allowance.

National organization supporting mentoring programs for over 391,000 children and youth in foster care system. Provides resources, training, and best practices for foster care mentoring programs using six core standards: recruitment, screening, training, matching/initiation, monitoring/support, and closure.

Transitional housing program for homeless and former foster youth ages 18-24 in Central Florida. Provides safe, affordable housing in dorm-like setting with wraparound supports including life skills training, employment assistance, educational support, mental health services, legal services, and substance abuse prevention. Serves approximately 55 youth annually.

Evidence-based intensive community program for transition-age youth aging out of foster care. LifeSet specialists meet with youth weekly, providing face-to-face support to help build healthy relationships, obtain safe housing, education, employment, and develop life skills including financial literacy and money management. Serves approximately 20,000 youth annually.

Missouri program providing financial independence support through education tailored for youth impacted by foster care. Combines financial education with mentorship and educational opportunities.

Platform sharing success stories of scholarship recipients and program participants who have overcome foster care challenges to achieve educational goals. Provides e-mentoring connections between students and professionals in their field of interest.

San Diego-focused program providing scholarships, mentoring, and college preparation support to over 300 foster youth. Over 90% are first-generation college students with 80%+ success rate. Offers Junior Guardian Scholar program for high school students, SAT courses, and individual support.

Comprehensive federal resource providing information on foster care programs, state contacts, educational supports, and child welfare resources nationwide. Access to 4,000+ resources including peer-reviewed publications, databases, and directories.

Directory providing state-by-state contacts for Chafee programs and foster care services across the United States.

Program providing dedicated mentors to young people in foster care. Focuses on building open, positive relationships between mentors and youth with shared interests, emphasizing willingness, enthusiasm, openness, and positive attitudes.

Coordinates with mentorship organizations throughout Texas to provide committed adult mentors for foster youth. Recognizes mentoring as key to achieving normalcy for foster youth in care and those transitioning out.