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The allows eligible students who have been served by the foster care system to receive a university education, build a network of support, and graduate with minimal debt. In collaboration with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and the Pennsylvania departments of Education (PDE), Human Services (DHS), and Labor & Industry (L&I), this program provides tuition waivers at postsecondary institutions, such as 91ÖÆƬ³§, to program participants for up to five academic years or until they reach age 26.

To be eligible for the tuition waiver, students must:

• Be a Pennsylvania resident
• Be under the age of 26
• Have 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 or adopted 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 (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
• File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program exists to remove any barriers to a postsecondary education for those who are or have been in foster care. If you or anyone you know could benefit from this program, contact Bernetta Millonde at mccallbc@drexel.edu for more information.