When you think of college, what do you think of? Maybe the classes, the new friends, the stress- or, do you think about the cost and if it’s worth it? Well, lucky for foster youth, there is a grant that can help you pay for your classes.
The Education Training Voucher (ETV) is a government funded grant that provides up to $5000 a year to students who have aged out of foster care or have been adopted after the age of 16. This grant is sent directly to the College or university and it can be used to pay for tuition, books, any class supplies, and even your own personal living expenses. Who wouldn’t want that extra help if they could get it, right?
As you may have read, there are some stipulations in order for you to be eligible for the ETV. You must be 26 or younger and have exited foster care within 30 days of your 18th birthday or later- or if you were legally adopted at the age of 16 or older. You also have to fill out the FASFA form as well as the IFAA form. On top of that, you will have to complete a W-9 as well as fill out an enrollment verification form each term/semester- and then you are good to go! Now, you may be thinking- what if I want to get a scholarship? What if I want to also have the emergency grant? Good News! You are completely able to have any scholarships/grants in combination with the ETV. If you’re able, stack as many as you can and get all the help you can get! It’s definitely worth it.
Personally, when I was in college the ETV helped me out a lot. I don’t think I would’ve gone to college if it wasn’t for all the help that I have received. A little background about me; my family wasn’t there to help out. I have heard about families saving up for their child to go to college, or just paying for their tuition in full. However, some young adults who are wanting to go to college don’t have the luxury of their family helping out- I fall into this category. I was in and out of foster care for many years, aged out at the age of 18 and had an aftercare worker help me fill out forms to go to college. The process was super quick and painless and it didn’t take that long to see if I was approved or not.
If you’re a foster youth debating on whether or not to go to college just because of the cost, check out the ETV. It’s well worth your time, and will definitely cut the stress of how expensive college can be.
For more information on how to apply, visit the Iowa College Aid website at: https://iowacollegeaid.gov/ETV.