High School / College / Trade School
Whether you decide to get a job or continue your education in a 4yr or 2yr college, it’s important to access all of the help provided to you through nonprofits, the State of Texas and federal programs.
Help with School Work
Getting help with school can sometimes be a struggle. It never fails that it’s usually after you get home that you realize you don’t understand something that was discussed in class or that you don’t know how to do your homework. There are lots of great apps and online resources to help. Check out some of these free resources.
College Voucher
Being in foster care offers some educational advantages. You can have college or technical school paid through the ETV (Education and Training Voucher) program. There are certain qualifications to apply. See the links below for information on how you can go to college or vocational school for free!
https://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Protection/Youth_and_Young_Adults/Education/ETV.asp
https://discoverbcfs.net/texasetv/
Supervised Independent Living (SIL)
An SIL is an independent living environment where you are able to live while still being in extended care. You will still have a caseworker and services but you would not be in a foster home. Some college dorms are considered SIL placements so you could have college paid through the ETV program and your dorm through the SIL.
How to Apply for College
Once you decide that college is the path for you, you’ll need to apply for admission. Most Texas schools have one online application platform that they all use. Once you fill out the application, you can specifically select which school to electronically send it to.
https://prod.goapplytexas.org/
College Financial Aid
Even though you qualify for paid in-state tuition, you will still need to fill out a financial aid application (commonly called “FASFA”) for college.This application can be time consuming but is very beneficial. It is possible that in addition to free tuition, you could qualify for money to pay for your college dorm, school supplies and even a little extra. All this would be free if you fill out the application by the deadline and qualify. The earlier you apply though, the better because the earlier you apply, the more FREE money is available.
https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
College Scholarships
Scholarships are another way to get free money for school. In addition to filling out the FASFA, there are private companies and organizations who give money to kids who have a financial need or who are doing well academically. The LULAC national scholarship fund is geared to Hispanic students and is a great way to get money for college.