Despite 37 states offering state tuition waivers to former foster youth to attend college for free,13 states still do not have legislation supporting these types of state waivers. While Texas is one of the 37 states that accepts state tuition and fee waivers, other large states with large populations of foster youth such as Idaho, Louisiana, Colorado, and Mississippi have no such legislation. Only 10% of former foster youth attend college, and only 3% ever graduate from college when they do attend. Due to limited options for success post foster care, 20% of those aging out will almost immediately become homeless the day of their 18th birthday. 

We have the ability to change that. 

Out of the approximately 420,000 individuals who are currently experiencing foster care in the United States, over 23,000 teens getting ready to age out of care are eligible to attend college. Statistically, 23,000 teens transitioning out of foster care should be able to apply for higher education, but only 2,300 will, and only 690 will graduate. 

We strongly urge the United States congress to introduce legislation that standardizes the use of tuition and fee waivers for all 50 states so that all foster youth can find success through higher education (whether through college or trade school) without having to bear the financial burden or fear the very real possibility of homelessness.

We must act now so ALL foster care alumni can find success post foster care.