Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Rep. Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) introduced the bipartisan Foster Youth Postsecondary Education Access and Success Act, legislation that would improve access to postsecondary education for older and transition-age foster youth by strengthening and modernizing the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program under the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood (“Chafee program”).
“Education and Training Vouchers (ETVs) provide essential financial support to foster and transition-age youth pursuing postsecondary education. However, the value of these vouchers is too low, and current data shows that only about one-third of eligible youth who attend college even receive an ETV,” said Rep. Judy Chu. “By strengthening the value of these vouchers and addressing the barriers we know youth face in accessing them, this bill will make meaningful progress in ensuring all foster youth can obtain a degree and follow their dreams.”
“I’m proud to co-lead the Foster Youth Postsecondary Education and Success Act with Congresswoman Chu. This legislation makes much needed improvements to the Chafee program by increasing the annual education vouchers amount from $5,000 to $12,000 and allow states the ability to establish a grace period for youth. These budget-neutral, common-sense policies recognize the challenges foster youth face and seek to remedy them to ensure foster youth have the resources to pursue their calling in life,” said Rep. Nathaniel Moran.
Under the Chafee ETV program, states may provide vouchers towards the cost of attendance of postsecondary education for eligible foster youth. However, the maximum value of the voucher has not changed since the program was created in 2001 and has not kept pace with costs. Additionally, foster youth continue to face undue barriers to accessing ETVs, including challenges navigating the application process and maintaining their eligibility for the voucher for the full duration of their education. Moreover, too many foster youth are not aware of the ETV program, which can adversely impact their decision or ability to pursue postsecondary education.
To address these challenges, the Foster Youth Postsecondary Education Access and Success Act would:
- Increase the maximum allowable value of the voucher from $5,000 to $12,000 per year.
- Allow states to establish a grace period during which students can continue to receive their voucher if reasonable circumstances have temporarily prevented the student from meeting their state’s satisfactory academic progress (SAP) requirements. This would enable students to get back on track instead of losing their ETV.
- Require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to consult with youth who’ve experienced foster care in order to develop model guidance for states on implementation of the grace period.
- Require that the form youth use to apply for ETV be simplified, user-tested, easy to understand, and available electronically.
- Require states to make reasonable efforts to ensure eligible youth are aware of ETV and its benefits.
- Allow states to use their general Chafee program funds toward ensuring eligible youth are aware of ETV, including by conducting outreach.
This bill is endorsed by the National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI), FosterClub, Journey to Success, Child Welfare League of America (CWLA), and the National Association of Counties (NACo).
“Belief in the potential of foster youth and transition age youth must extend beyond words. Real commitment means putting resources, policies, and accountability behind that belief. The Foster Youth Postsecondary Education Access and Success Act does exactly that, strengthening pathways to higher education while investing in the future of our nation’s workforce. We thank Rep. Chu for her continued leadership and for setting a standard for translating commitment into lasting systems change for foster youth,” said Rebecca Louve Yao, CEO, National Foster Youth Institute.
“Foster youth have the same college dreams as their peers but fewer supports. Education and Training Vouchers help level the playing field, and this bill expands access. We’re grateful to Representatives Chu and Moran for listening to young people,” said Celeste Bodner, Executive Director of FosterClub, the national network for youth in foster care.
“This bipartisan bill takes a long-overdue step toward modernizing the Education and Training Voucher program so it works for today’s students. By increasing the value of the voucher, simplifying access, and ensuring eligible youth are aware of the support available, Congress is addressing real gaps that have held too many foster youth back. These practical fixes will help more young people build stable futures by creating success in school and work,” said Hope Cooper, campaign manager, Journey to Success.