The Fostering Higher Education Act, SF 1306/HF 1802, sponsored by Foster Advocates, will offer “fosters” – youth who are or have been in foster care – a debt-free way to attend a state college, university or participating private institution.
This bill covers the total cost of attendance, which is important because even fosters who get scholarships sometimes can’t use them due to the added costs of fees, books, supplies, and meal plans. A colleague who has covered these items for youth says they add $1,500-$2,000 in expenses annually.
The state will only pay for costs not covered by other grants or scholarships, and Minnesota higher education institutions will receive $86 million in additional Pell and related grants.
Help support this legislation! Watch for our email next week with a link and a message to send to your state Representative and Senator.
Hear this e-brief as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on our podcast here.