HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Eligible kids within the Alabama Foster Care system can now receive funding for trade school, or college expenses.
Embrace Alabama Kids is providing financial assistance to young adults through Support for Success (S4S). S4S offers qualifying current and former foster kids the opportunity to apply for a Education and Training Voucher (ETV) funds and additional scholarships to assist them in attending a trade school, community college, or university.
The program is also extended to those who are part of the state’s kinship-guardianship program or who are adopted from foster care after age 16.
The program will provide up to $5,000/per year for qualified school-related expenses on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible students in postsecondary degree programs.
The Education and Training Voucher requirements can be found below:
- In Foster Care status on 18th birthday or Kinship-guardianship/adoption after age of 16
- Youth eligibility is verified by AL State DHR
- Must be younger than 26 at the start of the semester / term
- Making adequate academic progress as determined by the institution (for ongoing award)
- Students must complete FAFSA to be eligible for ETV, but they do NOT have to receive Pell Grant to be eligible for ETV.
- Must re-apply annually
In Alabama, 63% of foster youth graduate from high school, according to Alabama Department of Education data. Nationally, less than 10% of foster youth obtain a college degree. Specifically, in Alabama, only about 11% of foster youth pursue and complete post-secondary education.
If you have any questions, or need immediate assistance, contact (334)-387-2168.
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