FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GRANT PROGRAM BENEFITS

STUDENTS IN  FOSTER CARE

RICHMOND, VA, August 23, 2005 – Virginians who have been in foster care may qualify for a state financial aid program to assist them in continuing their education beyond high school.

The Foster Care Tuition Grant program, inaugurated in 2001, is available to high school graduates or general education development (GED) completers who were in foster care, in the custody of a social services agency, or considered a special needs adoption when they received their high school diploma or GED.

Administered by the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) and the Department of Social Services (DSS), the program is designed to eliminate financial barriers for students who have been in foster care.

To receive the grants for tuition and fees, students must be Virginia residents and enrolled full time in an eligible academic program at any one of Virginia’s community colleges. The Department of Social Services must also certify that the student was in foster care, in the custody of the DSS, or considered a special needs adoption when the high school diploma or GED was earned. As with other need-based financial aid, students must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, as well as meet the satisfactory academic standards of the college for federal student financial aid programs.

The program is based on legislation approved by the 2000 General Assembly.

For more information on the Foster Care Tuition Grant, contact your local community college financial aid office or the Department of Social Services in your area. Information may also be obtained at http://www.vccs.edu/vccsasr/Tuitiongrant/tuitiongrant.html.