Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program
“We want to give students the ability to achieve a better
life, but too often students from the foster care system do not have the
opportunities and resources they need to succeed. The Fostering Independence
Tuition Waiver Program makes it so that students from the foster care system
only need to focus on adjusting to college life and getting good grades.” –
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller
The Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program, created
by Act 16 of 2019, seeks to remove barriers in accessing postsecondary
education for youth who are or have been in foster care.
All Pennsylvania colleges and universities, including
public, private, community colleges, and state-related schools, will award the
waivers for the fall 2020 semester. The waivers, which also cover college
application fees, can be used for up to five years or until a student reaches
age 26.
This program will help those who are eligible to complete
their studies, graduate with less debt, and build a network of support.
The program is being administered collaboratively by the
Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) in conjunction with the
Pennsylvania departments of Education, Human Services, and Labor & Industry.
To learn more and apply, visit the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency
(PHEAA) website.
Guidelines for implementing the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program are available for colleges
and universities on the PHEAA website.