Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program

The Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program provides a waiver for tuition and mandatory fees charged by most postsecondary institutions located in the Commonwealth for youth who are or were in foster care.

This waiver applies only to charges that remain after all other gift aid (federal, state, and other scholarships or grants) have been applied to the student’s account.

Grant Information:

https://www.pheaa.org/funding-opportunities/other-educational-aid/foster-education.shtml

Penn State Program Contact for Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program:

https://www.solutionsnetwork.psu.edu/education/fostering-lions-program-getting-started

Eligibility

• To be considered for a Fostering Independence Tuition Education Waiver, you 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
• 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
• Have a current year FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) on file