Education and Training Vouchers

1. Education and Training Vouchers www.statevoucher.org 1.800.950.4673

2. What is OFA OFA is uniquely qualified to administer your state’s ETV program • Since 1981 OFA has been dedicated to helping young people transition from foster care to independent adulthood. • It has provided scholarships, mentoring, Washington DC internships, leadership training and care packages to thousands of youth from across the country. • The graduation/return rate of its scholarship recipients is 83% in 2003 which speaks to OFA’s expertise in working with these youth.

3. What is the Education and Training Voucher program? This program offers up to $5000 per year to young people out of foster care, to go to college or attend accredited vocational or technical training programs. The funds are granted to each state through its Chafee Independent Living Program.

4. How can the funds be used? ETV funds must first be used for tuition and other DIRECT school costs such as books and computers. Once these have covered, ETV funds may help with -- • Rent • Child Care • Health insurance • Living expenses

5. General Eligibility Requirements Youth may qualify if: • They are 18 - 21 years old and have been accepted into or are enrolled in a degree, certificate or other program at a college, university, technical or vocational school. • Eligibility may continue up to age 23 for students • who were receiving vouchers on their 21st birthday and show progress towards a degree or certificate. • They are currently in foster care or aged out of the foster care system at age 18, and they are a US citizen or qualified non-citizen. • They were adopted from foster care with adoption finalization after their 16th birthday.

6. ETVs are processed completely online atwww.statevoucher.org

7. The Application Process I • Visit www.statevoucher.org and click on your state. • Each state’s home page contains information pertinent to that state: • Specific eligibility requirements • Listing of four year colleges and universities, community colleges, and vocational and technical schools • Other financial aid information for students, caseworkers and foster parents • Time management, career links and study tips

8. Your State’s ETV Home Page Eligibility Requirements

9. The Application Process II From your state’s home page • Student completes the online application and submits required attachments OR • Case worker will refer students through the referral link. (Details pending)

10. Attachments to the application: FINANCIAL AID AWARD LETTER Students must complete and sign this form and bring it to their school’s financial aid office. The school will then fax the student’s financial aid award letter directly to OH ETV. As ETV awards are based foremost on the student’s unmet need the financial aid award letter is required before any processing can continue STUDENT BUDGET FORM Applicants must complete this 1 page form and fax it with any attachments to OH ETV to be considered for funding above tuition needs. If OH ETV does not receive this form only tuition money can be offered.

11. OHIO ETV PROGRAM • Funds are disbursed on a first come, first serve basis. • Please direct foster and adoptive families and other agencies to www.statevoucher.org for information on Ohio’s colleges and training programs and information on the OH ETV Program. • OH ETV is committed to serving all eligible youth including those who are no longer in care but who would benefit greatly from education and training.

12. We look forward to working with you! If you have any questions contact the ETV Program Coordinator at ohio@statevoucher.org or 1.800.950.4673 information 1.888.899.6465 toll free FAX