How Education and Training Vouchers Work for Foster Youth

What education and training vouchers cover

Education and training vouchers are funds that go directly to you — not to a school or program — so you decide how to spend them. Most states call theirs an Independent Living Program voucher or an Educational and Training Voucher (ETV). The money covers tuition, books, fees, housing near campus, transportation, and sometimes a laptop or other equipment you need for school.

The voucher amount varies by state. Some states give you a few thousand dollars per year; others give significantly more. You typically keep the voucher through age 21, and some states extend it to 23. The money is yours to use at any accredited school — a four-year university, community college, trade school, nursing program, or certificate program all count.

Unlike a loan, you do not repay a voucher. Unlike a scholarship, you do not have to maintain a specific GPA or compete for it — if you meet the basic requirements, the money is available to you.

Key Takeaways

• Your state's child welfare agency or independent living coordinator holds the voucher funds and can tell you the exact amount available and what it covers in your state.
• You must be in or have recently left foster care, and most states require you to be working toward a high school diploma or enrolled in a post-secondary program to use the funds.
• The voucher pays the school or program directly in most cases, though some states let you request reimbursement if you pay out of pocket.
• You should contact your independent living coordinator or caseworker before you enroll anywhere, because they need to approve the school and process the payment.

Who runs the voucher program in your state

Your state's Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Social Services, or equivalent child welfare agency administers the voucher. Within that agency, the Independent Living Program (ILP) coordinator or the foster care unit handles the actual vouchers. If you are still in care, your caseworker can connect you to the right person. If you have left care, call your state's child welfare agency main line and ask for the Independent Living Program coordinator.

Some states also partner with nonprofit organizations to help you find schools and manage the paperwork. If your state does this, the nonprofit will be listed on the state agency's website under "independent living" or "youth services." Either way, the state agency holds the money and makes the final decision about payment.

What you need to do before you enroll in school

Contact your independent living coordinator or caseworker before you register for classes. Tell them which school you want to attend and what program you are interested in. They will confirm that the school is accredited (which it almost certainly is if it is a recognized college, university, or trade school), and they will explain what paperwork you need to submit.

You will typically need to provide the school's name, your program of study, the cost per term, and proof of your enrollment or acceptance. Some states also ask for a brief plan explaining how the program fits your goals. This is not a test — it is a way for the coordinator to make sure the voucher is being used for education, not something else.

Once the coordinator approves the school, they will either pay the school directly or tell you how to request reimbursement. Direct payment is faster and more common. If you are paying out of pocket and requesting reimbursement later, keep all receipts and bills.

How much money you get and how long it lasts

The amount depends entirely on your state. Some states fund the voucher at $5,000 per year; others fund it at $10,000 or more. A few states have no cap and will cover whatever the school costs up to a certain age. Your independent living coordinator can tell you the exact amount for your state and whether it covers one year, multiple years, or until you reach a certain age.

Most states let you use the voucher from age 18 to 21. Some extend it to 23 if you are still enrolled in school. A few states let you use it before 18 if you are in high school and planning to go to college. The voucher does not automatically renew — you usually have to reapply each year or confirm that you are still enrolled, so stay in touch with your coordinator.

If you do not use the full amount in one year, some states let you carry it forward to the next year. Others do not. Ask your coordinator about the rollover policy in your state so you can plan accordingly.

What happens if you change schools or leave school

If you switch to a different school, notify your coordinator as soon as you know. They will need to approve the new school and update the payment information. This usually takes a few days to a week. Do not assume the voucher will automatically transfer — the coordinator has to process it.

If you leave school before finishing, you can usually return and use the remaining voucher later, as long as you are still within the age range your state allows. Some states require you to sit out a semester or explain why you left before they will approve a new enrollment. If you are struggling in school or thinking about leaving, talk to your coordinator first — they may be able to help you find resources or adjust your plan rather than lose the funding.

Other money and support that might combine with the voucher

The voucher is one piece. You may also be may be able to access for federal student aid (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA), which is separate money that does not reduce your voucher. As a foster youth, you are considered an independent student on the FAFSA, which means you may may have access to for more aid than a traditional student. Fill out the FAFSA even if you think you will not may have access to — many foster youth do.

Some colleges also have scholarships specifically for foster youth or former foster youth. Your school's financial aid office can tell you about these. Additionally, your state's independent living program may offer other support — tutoring, help with housing, job training — that works alongside the voucher. Ask your coordinator what else is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the voucher if I am still in high school?

Most states require you to have a high school diploma or GED before you use the voucher for college or trade school. A few states let you use it for dual enrollment (taking college classes while still in high school) or for programs that lead to a high school diploma. Ask your coordinator whether your state allows this.

What if I want to go to a very expensive school — will the voucher cover all of it?

The voucher covers up to your state's limit, which may be less than the full cost. You can use federal student aid, scholarships, or work-study to cover the rest. Your school's financial aid office can help you layer these funding sources together.

Do I have to tell the voucher program if I drop a class or change my major?

You should tell your coordinator about major changes — dropping out entirely, switching schools, or changing to a program that costs significantly more. Small changes like dropping one class usually do not require notification, but it is safer to ask. Your coordinator can tell you what counts as a reportable change in your state.

What if I age out of foster care before I finish school?

Aging out does not end your voucher, as long as you are still within your state's age limit (usually 21 or 23). You stay may be able to access as long as you remain enrolled. Your coordinator will stay the same person or transition you to a new contact, but the voucher continues.

Can I use the voucher for online school or a program outside my state?

Most states allow accredited online programs and out-of-state schools. The school has to be accredited and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Your coordinator will verify this before approving payment. Some states have additional rules about distance learning, so ask first.