The Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program was established to remove obstacles in accessing postsecondary education for Pennsylvania youth who are or have been in foster care. Since Act 16 of 2019 was created, all Pennsylvania colleges and universities will award waivers that cover tuition and required fees for qualified Pennsylvania students from the foster care system.
Eligible students must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Pennsylvania resident
- Be under age 26
- Received a high school diploma or equivalent approved credential
- Be eligible for services under Pennsylvania’s John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood
- Be identified as a youth in foster care or a youth discharged from foster care at age 16 or older
- Exited foster care on or after age 16 to adoption or permanent legal custodianship
- Be enrolled as an undergraduate, at least half time in a postsecondary institution that is approved by the U.S. Department of Education for Title IV student assistance programs
- Demonstrate financial need for the PA Chafee Education and Training Grant (Chafee ETG), as determined by the postsecondary institution
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress, as determined by the postsecondary institution
- Not be in default on a federal student loan
Eligible youth must follow the below steps to Participate:
- File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Submit a Chafee ETG Application (available at PHEAA.org)
- Enroll in an eligible Pennsylvania postsecondary institution (visit www.ips.pa.gov for a list of schools)
The Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will serve as a point of contact for this program. Heather Moore Roberson is currently serving as the point of contact for the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program. She may be contacted at hroberson@allegheny.edu or (814) 332-2396.
The point of contact can assist with the following:
- Completing admissions and financial aid applications
- Obtaining verification of eligibility
- Providing referrals for on- and off- campus resources and support services