More than 250 Indiana students funded through education & training voucher program

Initiative provides young adults financial, academic & human support when transitioning from foster care to higher education

Indiana young adults who have spent time in foster care are heading back to school.

The Indiana Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program, administered by Foster Success, is equipping 271 young people transitioning out of foster care with critical resources for success this school year – whether attending a university or an accredited trade program. Providing financial, academic and personal counseling, participants receive ongoing support throughout their educational journeys.

“Meeting with my Education Coordinator helped me realize that there is someone out there who cares about me and how I do in school,” ETV program participant Amber Z said. “Meeting with my coordinator helped me strive for the best grades I can get because I knew I would be praised during our meetings.”

The ETV Program is federally funded and state administered. In Indiana, Foster Success oversees the program. The initiative is open to all individuals transitioning out of foster care who are at least 18 years old and enrolled in a degree, certificate, or accredited program. Additionally, a candidate must be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen, have personal assets of less than $10,000, and demonstrate progressive, satisfactory academic success.

The ETV Program accepts new enrollments each semester. Recipients must maintain a minimum 2.0 grade-point average. In addition, students are required to submit an official academic transcript each term with their grades.

This program is the only one of its kind in the Hoosier state specifically geared towards students transitioning out of foster care and into higher education.

“The ETV Program is crucial to supporting these young people on their journeys toward self-sufficiency,” Foster Success President and CEO Dr. Maggie Stevens said. “The ETV users often don’t have families that can help them pay for higher education and support them during school holidays when the dorm is closed. ETV is truly a lifeline that allows these young adults to reach for their dreams.”

Click here for more information on the requirements and to apply or contact ali@fostersuccess.org.