The state Department of Human Services (Courtesy/State of Oregon)
Oregon teens and young adults who are or have been in foster care could be eligible for a grant of up to $12,000 to cover college or career training.
The state Department of Human Services received federal funding to expand existing educational aid programs for current and former foster children as part of the pandemic relief package Congress passed in December, according to a news release. To be eligible, students must have been in foster care at age 14 or older, pursuing postsecondary education or training and have not yet turned 27.
The federal money allows Oregon to expand two existing programs.
Oregon’s Chafee Educational Training Vouchers provide grants of up to $5,000 as part of eligible students’ financial aid package. With the expansion, students can receive the grant up to age 27, rather than 26, and can receive funds if they’re currently in school or had to pause studies because of the pandemic.
Eligible students have been identified and will be notified by email from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission’s Office on Student Access and Completion.
Another grant of up to $7,000 per student is available through the Child Welfare Division’s Youth Transitions Program. That grant can help eligible students cover housing, transportation and technology costs during the pandemic. Money will be distributed until exhausted, and can be requested by contacting Youth Transition Programs at [email protected].
More information is available on the DHS website.
-Rachel Alexander
