Financial Aid for Foster Youth in Illinois
Introduction: A Few Key Considerations
Need-Based Financial Aid
DCFS Programs
Private Scholarships for Youth from Foster Care
Understanding Your Financial Aid Package
Private Scholarships
FOSTER PROGRESS (THAT’S US!) MENTORING & SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Our program begins in high school for youth that have experienced foster care. You’ll meet with a mentor once a week and have a 1:1 meeting with program staff every other month. Mentors help with things like filling out the FAFSA, choosing a college, piecing together financial aid, etc. You’ll also do fun things together. Each time you meet with your mentor or attend a group session, you earn $100 in scholarship money. Often youth end up earning around $5,000. Our scholarships are very flexible - when you enroll in college, if your costs are covered by other financial aid, you can use your Foster Progress scholarship for anything that might further your education and adulthood. We’ve had students use their scholarship for study abroad programs, furnishing their dorm rooms, paying room and board, or transportation costs, for example.
For more details, or to apply, go here: FOSTER PROGRESS MENTORING & SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
FOSTER LOVE FAMILY FELLOWSHIP SCHOLARSHIP
The Foster Love Family Fellowship Program provides financial and emotional support to college-bound foster youth who are "aging out" of the system. They provide things such as mentorship, care packages, winter bonding trips, and more. In addition, they will also offer the following financial support for up to five years: tuition support, school supplies, textbooks, laptop/printer, academic assistance/tutoring, housing allowance, dorm supplies. Students who are committed to their education, determined to achieve personal and professional goals, and interested in building a community with their peers are encouraged to apply. They also seek students who are interested in developing leadership skills and breaking down barriers to help foster youth navigate college and life beyond and youth pursuing degrees in STEM-related fields. The application will be available on Monday, March 4th 2024 through Friday, May 3rd, 2024. Check it out here: FOSTER LOVE FAMILY FELLOWSHIP SCHOLARSHIP
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