College tuition

HI, I live in pennsylvania and a very good friend of mine is a director of financial aid at a private college. I asked him and he said the PA does NOT give full scholarships to foster children or previously adopted foster children. BUT there are many scholarships out there that the child is eligible for (and are not income dependent) plus all the usual income one. It is possible that with these scholarships/grants that a child would be able to go to a state school tuition "free" typically board or books are separate but may be included on occasion. His recommendation is to apply but you don't have to preclude private schools take financially may be out of your range just because of $. Also search the internet but don't sign up for engines that you need to pay unless its a bonafide financial counselor (again research!). Below are some links. I have included a facebook site that basically details the first link. Some peopl like to "friend" them for the easy updates. Good luck. [url=http://www.collegescholarships.org/scholarships/foster.htm]Get a Scholarship as a Foster Child With These Awards[/url][url=http://www.campusexplorer.com/college-advice-tips/7B22CC1F/Pennsylvania-Scholarships-Grants-and-Student-Loans/]Pennsylvania Scholarships, Grants and Student Loans[/url][url=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=397358938808]Scholarships for Foster Kids | Facebook[/url]

Contact the CW and ask about ETV's (education and training vouchers). They typically don't volunteer this information. You have to ask. (sooner then later). Also ask about what other programs are available. ETV's are federal grants, available to ALL states. They have a cap of upto $5000 per year. They aren't once and done. You can re-apply every year. Hint:They look VERY closely at GPA scores each and every year. So slackers and party-animals beware.Ask the school themselves if they have any programs or endowments that would help cover tuition costs. It may not be specifically for "foster care", but for need based students. Many schools (esp private schools) have endowments for the right students. If they dont have ANY, I would be shocked! Ask them "You have NO funds to support minorities or under privileged students??" If you say it like that, I'll bet they'll find something otherwise they look bad. Not all schools offer them though, but some have specialized grants that are specific to the school itself. Larger, more expensive schools shouldn't be avoided! These schools have more funds available from lots of different sources. The challenge for better schools is qualifying for them, more then paying for them. If your student qualifies, the school itself can be very helpful in finding how to fund the education. State colleges are less helpful in this respect. Also, contact OFA (orphans foundation of America). I don't know if they cover PA, but may have other sources - and they are super nice ppl that are glad to help.Dont give up! I attend an expensive private university. ALL my costs (including books/board, etc) have been covered by grants, ETV's, scholarships, and foundations. But they arent going to offer them. You have to ask for them. And figuring out the right questions to ask is actually the hardest part.

Here's the contact person for ETVs in Pennsylvania:PennsylvaniaCarrie Keiser,Office of Children, Youth and FamiliesPennsylvania Department of Public Welfareckeiser@state.pa.usPhone: (717) 705-4401Fax: (717) 214-3784625 Forster StreetHealth and Welfare Building, Rooms 103/105Harrisburg, PA 17120-0701You can find out more info here:[url]https://www.statevoucher.org/[/url]