Kids Matter Frequently Asked Questions
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Paying for College

Q:  Is there money available to help foster kids pay for college or vocational/ technical training?
A:  Yes, there is!  If you have been in court-ordered foster care in Wisconsin with a relative, foster home, group home or residential care center for at least six (6) months after your 15th birthday, you are eligible for a scholarship from the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF).  You are also eligible if you were in foster care outside of Wisconsin but become a Wisconsin resident before you start school.

Q:  How much money is it?
A:  You can get up to $5,000 every year you are in school, until you turn 21.  If you are in school when you turn 21, you may be eligible for additional money until you turn 23.

Q:  What can I use it for?
A:  That depends upon the type of scholarship.  The DCF Scholarship does not require you to work with the independent living program for your county; however, it can only be used to pay tuition, fees and book money.   After you provide the required proof of enrollment and tuition bill, a DCF check will be sent directly to your school. 

The Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program requires active participation in your county’s independent living program, but it is a more flexible funding source.  You submit a written educational plan and budget to your county independent living coordinator for approval.  Upon approval, ETV funds may be used for tuition, fees, books, transportation to school, housing, child care, uniforms or testing fees – nearly anything related to the cost of attending school or training.

Q:  Where can I use it?
A:  You can use it at any accredited two- or four-year college or university, vocational or technical program in the United States.  

Q:  Can I apply for both scholarships? 
A:  Yes, if you meet the requirements for both types.  However, you can only receive a total of $5,000 per year in scholarships from the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, whether it comes from the DCF Scholarship,  Education and Training Voucher (ETV), or a combination of both.

Q:  Will I have to pay it back?
No, it is a grant, not a loan.  However, you will be responsible for repayment if you quit during a school term or if you spend ETV money on something that is not part of your written educational plan.

How do I get this money?

It is important to apply as soon as you can, because the money is distributed among all of the counties in Wisconsin based on size.  Once the money for your county is gone, you must wait until the following budget year to reapply.

Who should I call with questions?

Q:  Does my financial aid for college depend on how much money my parents or foster parents make?
A:  No.  Youth who go to college from court-ordered kinship or foster care are usually considered to be financially independent.  Your eligibility for need-based financial aid (grants and loans) will be determined based on your income, not theirs.  However, you must check “YES” on Question #53 on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid indicating that you are independent because your are or were a ward of the court on your 18th birthday.   See http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/help/fotw21a.htm for additional information.

You will also need to obtain a letter from your county (the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare in Milwaukee County) confirming that you were in court-ordered foster care on your 18th birthday.  Your social worker/ongoing case manager should help you with that.

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