The ETV Program offers financial assistance, up to $5,000.00 per year not to exceed the cost of attendance, to eligible youths to help with the cost of postsecondary education (college) or job training.  Students must be current or former foster youths aged 18 to 21 at the time benefits are received. 

Who is eligible?
1. Youth ages 14-21, up to the 21^st birthday, who are in foster care under the supervision of the DFC, w/case plan establishing the need for IL services.

2. Youth adopted from foster care after attaining age 16.

3. Youth ages 14-21 who were formerly in foster care as a CHINS between the ages of 14-18 that were returned to their own homes and remain a CHINS with a case plan establishing the need for state services.

4. Youth up to the age of 21 who were formerly in foster care as a CHINS between the ages of 14-18 under the supervision of the DFC.

5. Probation youth, adjudicated a delinquent and placed in out of home care, between the ages 14-18, up to their 18^th birthday, and have a current case plan identifying IL needs. In addition, the county of residence must have an interagency agreement between the court and local DFC relating responsibilities of each party for meeting all state and federal mandates.

6. Youth participating in the ETV program on their 21^st birthday, may continue until they turn 23 years old, as long as they are enrolled in a post-secondary education or training program and are making satisfactory progress toward completion of that program.

What additional requirements are there?
1. Possess a High School Diploma, GED to attend college. Youth attending college must have completed the FAFSA with financial eligibility determined prior to funding approval.
-or-
2.  Possess a Special Education Certificate, Vocational Certificate or must be above the age of compulsory education and not enrolled in high school or training programs.
-and-
3. Be enrolled in or plan to apply to an institution of higher education or a vocational program that provides training for gainful employment which

     Awards a bachelor’s degree or not less than 2 year program that provides credit
     towards a degree or,
     Provides not less than 1 year of training towards gainful employment or,
     Is a vocational program that provides training for gainful employment and has been in
     existence for at least 2 years.

How can this special assistance be used?

• Tuition
• Tutoring
• Transportation
• Books, supplies
• Uniforms
• Tools
• Computer/printer
• Calculators
• Childcare
• Housing

How can I apply?

1.   Go on the internet to the website of  The Orphan Foundationof America https://www.statevoucher.org/ and click on your state on the map.

2.   Click on application, complete the form and submit.  You will receive 3 documents that you must complete ASAP and get back to OFA.  You must set up an email account for communication with OFA. 

3.   Funding varies according to application date so apply well in advance of the start of your postsecondary training or college attendance.

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