An Overview
Adoption
FAFSA—must be completed to access other funds. Finanical Aid given on a first come/first served basis. Must be completed every year. Must get an ID before or during the application process. Beginning in Jan. (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/)
Independent Student Status (FAFSA)—through the College Costs Reduction Act, any youth adopted on or after their 13th birthday is considered “independent” on the FAFSA and do not have to provide parent info (income) or signatures.
ETV Funds—available through DHHS for youth adopted on or after their 16th birthday. Must complete FAFSA. The college or training program must be accredited. Student must be in good academic standing. Some federal restrictions for use of funds. Youth who receive ETV funds at age 21 can receive them until age 23. Awards vary--depending on available funds & need after other financial aid is determined, up to $5000. Youth who receive ETV funds at age 21 can receive them until age 23. Contact Dulcey Laberge 624-7928, Dulcey.laberge@maine.gov.
Tuition Waiver—youth who were adopted from foster care AND whose parents are receiving an adoption subsidy from DHHS can apply for one of 30 waivers that can be used at State of Maine Universities, Community Colleges, or Maine Maritime. Awarded on first come, first served basis—apply early. Must be a Maine resident. Must reapply each year. Available for undergraduate degrees only, up to 5 years. Application available Feb. 1. Administered through FAME (www.famemaine.com)
Permanent Guardianship
FAFSA—must be completed to access other funds. Finanical Aid given on a first come/first served basis. Must be completed every year. Must get an ID before or during the application process. Beginning in Jan. (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/)
Independent Student Status (FAFSA) — through the College Costs Reduction Act, any youth in Permanent Guardianship on or after their 13th birthday is considered “independent” on the FAFSA and do not have to provide parent info (income) or signatures.
ETV Funds—available through DHHS for youth who enter permanent guardianship on or after their 16th birthday. Must complete FAFSA. The college or training program must be accredited. Student must be in good academic standing. Some federal restrictions for use of funds. Awards vary--depending on available funds & need after other financial aid is determined, up to $5000. Youth who receive ETV funds at age 21 can receive them until age 23. Contact Dulcey Laberge 624-7928, Dulcey.laberge@maine.gov.
Tuition Waiver—youth who were adopted from foster care AND whose parents are receiving an adoption subsidy from DHHS can apply for one of 30 waivers that can be used at State of Maine Universities, Community Colleges, or Maine Maritime. Awarded on first come, first served basis—apply early. Must be a Maine resident. Must reapply each year. Available for undergraduate degrees only, up to 5 years. Application available Feb. 1. Administered through FAME (www.famemaine.com)
V9 Agreement
FAFSA—must be completed to access other funds. Finanical Aid given on a first come/first served basis. Must be completed every year. Must get an ID before or during the application process. Beginning in Jan. (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/)
Independent Student Status (FAFSA) — through the College Costs Reduction Act, any youth in foster care on or after their 13th birthday is considered “independent” on the FAFSA.
ETV Funds—available through DHHS for youth who have a signed V9 agreement. Must complete FAFSA. The college or training program must be accredited. Student must be in good academic standing. Some federal restrictions for use of funds. Youth who receive ETV funds at age 21 can receive them until age 23. Awards vary-depending on available funds & need after other financial aid is determined, up to $5000. Youth who receive ETV funds at age 21 can receive them until age 23. (Contact your Transition Worker).
Tuition Waiver— youth who were adopted from foster care AND whose parents are receiving an adoption subsidy from DHHS can apply for one of 30 waivers that can be used at State of Maine Universities, Community Colleges, or Maine Maritime. Awarded on first come, first served basis—apply early. Must be a Maine resident. Must reapply each year. Available for undergraduate degrees only, up to 5 years. Application available Feb. 1. Administered through FAME (www.famemaine.com).
Alumni Transition Grant Program (ATGP) - provide financial assistance and support to eligible young people who aged out of foster care to complete his or her postsecondary education (Associates Degree, Bachelor Degree, Accredited Job Training Program).