For individuals with a foster care background in Colorado, accessing higher education can be significantly supported through the Foster Care Education Program (FosterEd). This comprehensive initiative aims to cover the full cost of attendance at eligible Colorado institutions, removing financial barriers and providing crucial support for academic success. This article outlines the eligibility criteria, benefits, and application process for the Foster Care Education Program, ensuring that those who qualify can take advantage of this invaluable opportunity.
Eligibility Requirements for FosterEd
To be eligible for the Foster Care Education Program in Colorado, students must meet the following criteria:
- Colorado Residency: Applicants must be current residents of Colorado.
- Foster Care Experience: Students must have been in foster care in Colorado from the age of 13 or older. This includes non-certified kinship care from age 13 onwards in Colorado, provided they were adjudicated neglected or dependent at any point under Article 3 of Title 19.
- Enrollment in Higher Education: Eligible students must be attending a state public institution of higher education, a local district college, or an area technical college within Colorado.
- Academic Pursuit: Students need to be currently enrolled in courses that lead to a certificate of completion, associate, bachelor’s, or postgraduate degree. They must also maintain satisfactory academic standing as defined by their institution.
- Financial Aid Applications: Completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) is required.
- ETV Application (if eligible): If eligible, students must complete the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) application.
- FERPA Consent Form: A FERPA Consent Form must be completed and submitted to the institution the student is attending. You can access the FERPA Consent Form here.
- Self-Identification: Students must self-identify with the FosterEd Liaison or the financial aid office at their institution to confirm their eligibility and participation in the program.
It’s important to note that FosterEd supports students for up to 132 semester credit hours or 198 quarter credit hours, starting from when they join the program. Credits earned before enrollment in FosterEd do not count towards this limit. Notably, there is no age limit to participate in this program, making it accessible to a wide range of eligible individuals.
Participating Educational Institutions
The Foster Care Education Program is available across a broad spectrum of higher education institutions in Colorado, including:
4-Year Public Institutions:
- Adams State University
- Colorado Mesa University
- Colorado School of Mines
- Colorado State University – Fort Collins
- Colorado State University – Global
- Colorado State University – Pueblo
- Fort Lewis College
- Metropolitan State University of Denver
- University of Colorado – Boulder
- University of Colorado – Colorado Springs
- University of Colorado – Denver
- University of Northern Colorado
- Western Colorado University
Colorado Community College System:
- Arapahoe Community College
- Colorado Northwestern Community College
- Community College of Aurora
- Community College of Denver
- Front Range Community College
- Lamar Community College
- Morgan Community College
- Northeastern Junior College
- Otero College
- Pikes Peak State College
- Pueblo Community College
- Red Rocks Community College
- Trinidad State Colleges
Local District Colleges:
- Colorado Mountain College
- Aims Community College
Area Technical Colleges:
- Emily Griffith Technical College
- Technical College of the Rockies
- Pickens Technical College
This extensive list ensures that eligible students have a wide variety of educational paths and institutions to choose from throughout Colorado.
Comprehensive Coverage of Attendance Costs
The FosterEd program is designed to fully cover the cost of attendance at participating Colorado institutions. While the exact cost of attendance varies by institution, FosterEd is intended to cover expenses such as:
- Full Tuition and Fees
- Reasonable Living Expenses (both on and off-campus housing)
- Books and Supplies
- Potentially other costs including:
- Housing
- Food
- Local Transportation
- Limited Personal Expenses
- Childcare (where applicable)
- A Computer Allowance
- Medical Insurance
For a detailed breakdown of what is covered at a specific institution, students are encouraged to contact the financial aid office of their chosen school.
How to Apply for FosterEd
To apply for the Foster Care Education Program, follow these steps:
- Obtain Foster Care Verification: Acquire a Confirmation of Foster Care Experience form or a court affidavit as proof of your foster care background. If you do not have this documentation, contact the County Department of Human Services (DHS) where you were in foster care. County DHS contact information can be found here.
- Complete Financial Aid Application: Fill out either the FAFSA or CASFA for the relevant school year.
- ETV Application (if applicable): If you are eligible for the Education and Training Voucher program, complete the ETV application.
- Submit FERPA Consent Form: Complete and submit the FERPA Consent Form to your chosen institution via this link: FERPA Consent Form.
- Self-Identify with Institution Liaison: Contact the FosterEd Liaison or the financial aid office at the institution you plan to attend. You will need to provide proof of foster care experience, confirmation of ETV application submission (if applicable), and your completed FERPA Consent Form.
The recommended deadline for self-identifying for the Spring 2025 semester is February 1st, 2025. Prospective students are encouraged to begin the application process well in advance of this date.
Resources and Institutional Support
To further support students, each participating institution has designated a FosterEd Liaison. This liaison serves as a direct point of contact, providing information and assistance with:
- Application procedures
- Financial aid processes
- Available support services
- Other relevant resources
You can find the directory of Institution Liaisons here. Additionally, a Foster Care Student Navigator Map is available here to help students find support resources.
For further information and to access additional resources, please refer to the following links:
- FosterEd Fact Sheet
- ETV and FosterEd Glossary of Terms
- ETV and FosterEd FAQs
- ETV and FosterEd Presentation
The Foster Care Education Program represents a significant opportunity for eligible students in Colorado to pursue their higher education goals. By providing comprehensive financial support and resources, FosterEd empowers foster youth to achieve academic success and build a brighter future. If you believe you are eligible, reach out to the FosterEd Liaison at your chosen institution to begin your journey today.
