When I aged out of foster care at 18, I, like many former foster youth, faced the daunting challenge of immediate survival. The struggle to secure stable housing and fend for myself left little room for pursuing higher education right away. By the time I had the opportunity to return to school, I was over the age of 23 and no longer eligible for Wisconsin's Brighter Star Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program. This limitation not only halted my educational aspirations but also hindered my ability to build a stable, independent life.

Wisconsin's Brighter Star ETV program is a vital resource designed to support foster youth, ages 18 to 23, in pursuing their post-secondary education. However, the current age limit fails to consider the myriad challenges foster youth often face that delay their educational journey. Countless young adults like me, whose educational pursuits are postponed due to survival needs, find themselves suddenly unsupported at a critical juncture of their lives.

This petition seeks to expand the age requirement for the ETV program in Wisconsin. By extending the age limit beyond 23, we can provide foster youth with the flexibility needed to complete their education according to their unique timelines and circumstances. This change would offer hope and opportunity to those striving to overcome the adversities of their past and lay the foundation for a successful future.

Evidence shows that extended educational support significantly increases the likelihood of degree completion among foster youth. According to studies, foster care alumni are nearly twice as likely to succeed in higher education when provided with extended support systems. Thus, expanding the ETV's age range aligns with broader educational and social goals, benefiting not only the individuals directly involved but also society by enabling a more educated and empowered population.

By signing this petition, you can stand with us in advocating for a change that truly reflects the needs of foster care youth that age out of the system. Together, we can urge Wisconsin legislators to recognize and rectify the limitations of the current policy, opening doors for those who deserve the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.