Educational Resources and Eligibility Information
Education and Training Voucher Program (ETV)
Under the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Amendments of 2001, DFPS receives federal funding for a state grant program to provide postsecondary educational and training vouchers to eligible youth who are in or age out of foster care at age 16 or who are adopted or exit to the Permancey Care program after turning 16 years of age. The ETV program serves youth up to age 23 and based on need, youth may be eligible to receive up to $5,000 in financial assistance per year.
The ETV Program allows DFPS to expand and supplement current assistance provided to former and eligible foster care youth and specifically, helps them to begin, continue and/or complete their educational and vocational goals.
Our Mission
The Education and Training Voucher Program allows Texas to help youth make a smoother transition to self-sufficiency and independence by providing funding that will help eligible youth receive education, training and services not covered by another funding source.
What Can ETV Pay For?
The ETV Program covers the cost of attendance in an institution of higher education and can help with:
- Residential housing
- Room and board costs/food
- Tuition/fees (for non state-supported institutions that do not accept the tuition and fee waiver)
- Personal items
- Books/supplies
- Child care
- Tutoring
- Some transportation needs
- Computer or other required equipment
- Medical insurance through school
- Other costs of attendance at an institution of higher education that do not exceed the lesser of $5,000 per year or the total cost of attendance as defined in section 472 of the Higher Education Act
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Am I Eligible?
- Youth in DFPS foster care who are at least 16 and who are likely to remain in foster care until turning 18, or
- Youth who age out of DFPS foster care but have not yet turned 21, or
- Youth who are adopted or who enter the *Permanency Care Assistance (PCA) program from DFPS foster care after turning 16 years old who are not yet 21, or
- Youth participating in the ETV program on their 21st birthday can remain eligible until 23 as long as they are enrolled and making satisfactory progress toward completing their postsecondary education or training program.
*Effective September 1, 2010
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Do I Qualify?
- Youth between 16 and 21 who have a high school diploma or equivalent or are exempt from compulsory school attendance and who are enrolled at least part-time (6 hours) in an institution of higher education; or
- Youth in high school who are earning dual credit by enrolling in a college course and are receiving simultaneous academic credits from both the college and the high school.
- Online/Correspondence/Distance Students MUST contact an ETV staff to seek approval for your program.
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What is an Institute of Higher Education?
The ETV Program provides financial assistance for eligible youth who are enrolled in an institution of higher education that falls within one of the following categories:
- An accredited or pre-accredited, public, private, or nonprofit institution that provides a bachelor's degree program or at least a 2-year program that provides credit towards a degree or certification; or
- An accredited or pre-accredited, public or nonprofit institution that provides not less than a one-year program of training to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation; or
- An accredited or pre-accredited, public, private or nonprofit institution that has been existence for at least two years and that provides a program of training to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.
For a complete listing of Texas Institutions of Higher Education please go to: http://www.collegefortexans.com/cfbin/inst.cfm
The web site provides information and listings for public and private Higher Education Institutions such as:
- Universities
- Junior/Community Colleges
- State supported Technical and Vocational Institutions
- Independent Vocational Accredited Institutions
- Distance Education Campuses
- Independent Career Colleges Authorized to offer Applied Associate Degrees
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What Does ETV Expect Of Me?
- Transcript: Each semester send in a copy of your unofficial transcript (request this from the admissions and records office) to the ETV program to ensure continuing eligibility.
- Attendance: Students must attend school at least 6 hours per semester (or 3 hours per summer semester).
- Academic Probation: Students who have a GPA that is below a 2.0 may continue to receive ETV benefits while on academic probation. The ETV program follows the academic probation policies of the school and if the youth cannot attend because of academic probation or suspension, ETV services will end. Youth may re-apply for ETV services once the academic probation has been lifted and the Student has re-enrolled and been accepted for the semester.
- You are encouraged to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) when preparing for your educational goals. The FAFSA website can calculate eligibility for federal financial aid and grants. Your high school counselor and other educational or CPS staff may assist you in accessing this information.
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/index.htm
- Admission and scholarship information for every Texas Pubic University, Private and Two-year schools is available at:
https://www.applytexas.org/adappc/gen/c_start.WBX
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How do I Apply for ETV Services?
In June, 2009 Baptist Children and Family Services (BCFS) was hired to operate the ETV program. To access the application and additional information about applying for ETV services please go to the ETV program website provided below:
http://www.bcfs.net/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?&pid=988
The mailing address for BCFS is
Baptist Children and Family Services
Attn: ETV Program
4415 Piedras Drive West, Suite 100
San Antonio, Texas 78212
Phone: 1-877-268-4063
FAX: 1-210-208-5605
To be considered for the ETV Program you must complete and sign an application and attach all supporting documents before you mail in the application. Along with a completed and signed an application the following information is also required:
- A copy of your most recent transition plan; plan of service; discharge plan; or your own personal written plan for the future
- A signed eligibility letter from the PAL staff or Aftercare Case Worker or a copy of your State Tuition and Fee Waiver Letter
- A copy of your financial aid award letter (if applicable) or a billing statement from the vocational training program
- A print out of your "current" semester's class schedule (Fall, Spring, or Summer)
- A signed data Collection and Reporting agreement
- A signed Statement of Responsibility
- A Billing Voucher with supporting documentation where applicable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If I am awarded $5,000 dollars how will I get my money?
A: Depending on which semesters you check on the application form, the ETV award will be divided by the number of semesters you choose. For example, if you choose the Fall, you will have access to your full award. If you choose the Fall and Spring, you will have access to half for the Fall and half for the Spring. If you choose the Fall, Spring and Summer, your award will be divided by three.
Q: If I do not go to school in the summer (3 hours the first summer session and 3 hours the second summer session) will I be able to use my money in the Fall and Spring?
A: Yes. You must indicate on your application what semesters you plan to attend. ETV will not be able to change your choice once you make it on the application.
Q: Should I create a budget?
A: Yes!
Q: Can changing schools change my award amount?
A: Yes. ETV needs to be informed prior to changes to adjust the cost of attendance, if any.
Q: Should I make copies of all documents submitted to ETV?
A: Yes! Mail gets lost; fax machines are not 100% reliable. If we did not receive your information the first time it is a good idea to keep records on file so it will not delay you from receiving benefits. Documents may also be sent by e-mail in a PDF format.
Q: Is ETV an entitlement program?
A: No. ETV's purpose is to assist young people that are eligible and qualify for the program who have chosen to attend an institution of higher education. We strive to encourage our youth to commit themselves to a career or education.
Q: Who can help me apply for ETV?
A: Please contact your local Preparation for Adult Living Coordinator (PAL), After-Care caseworker or an Adoption Eligibility Assistance Specialist (if adopted after age 16) to assist you with applying for ETV program. Initially it is your responsibility to ensure that the application is filled out properly, signed and all supporting documents are submitted timely. If you do not have a PAL or After-Care caseworker please contact the ETV Coordinator that serves your region. This information is available on the BCFS website.
Q: Can I use ETV funds to attend school while in extended foster care?
A: Yes, as long as the funds are used for the cost of attendance to the college/university/vocational or technical school. ETV funds may not be used to cover housing costs such as an apartment or dormitory but may be used to pay for transportation to and from school, child care while attending school, books, computers, etc. Back to top
State Tuition Fee Waiver Eligibility
Legislation enacted in 1993, with revisions made in 1997, 2003, and 2009. Texas Education Code 54.211. Exemptions for Students in Foster or Other Residential Care
The Texas state tuition and fee waiver provides exemptions at state supported institutions of higher education to certain youth who were formerly in foster care, adopted youth, and youth in permanent managing conservatorship
Do I Qualify?
A student is exempt from the payment of tuition and fees if the student was in foster care or other residential care under the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services on or after:
- The day preceding the student's 18th birthday;
- The day of the student's 14th birthday, if the student was also eligible for adoption on or after that day;
- The day the student graduated from high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma;
- The day the student was adopted if that date is on or after September 1, 2009
- the day permanent managing conservatorship of the student was grant to an individual other than the student's parent, if that date is on or after September 1, 2009; or
- If the student enrolls in a dual credit course or other course which a high-school student may earn joint high school and college credit, and is in conservatorship on the day of enrollment.
The student must enroll in an institution of higher education as an undergraduate student not later than the student's 25th birthday.
PAL staff or Adoption Eligibility Assistance staff will provide youth with a signed Tuition Fee Waiver letter to take to the registrar's office of the college, university, vocational or technical institute.
Participation in PAL services is not required to be eligible for the Tuition Fee Waiver.
Texas Education Code
Sec. 54.2111. Exemptions For Adopted Students Formerly In Foster Or Other Residential Care
A student is exempt from the payment of tuition and fees if the student:
- was adopted; and
- was the subject of an adoption assistance agreement for monthly financial assistance and Medicaid under Subchapter D, Chapter 162, Family Code.
There is not a time limit for enrolling in the institution of higher education.
Adopted youth must contact an Adoption Assistance Eligibility Specialists to verify eligibility for the Tuition Fee Waiver.
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Other Educational Resources and Partnerships
Texas A&M University at College Station provides a staff person to assist Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) students at the university.
Austin Community College (ACC) has an outstanding support system for former foster youth attending the college. Part of the success for this system is the participation of community stakeholders through an ongoing workgroup. Members include the Casey Foundation, Life Works (a community program for homeless and at-risk youth), the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and representatives from DFPS/CPS.
Factors contributing to ACC’s successful model include:
- Commitment to maintaining this project and expanding the services
- Established and trained a Campus Champion, a counselor at each campus to work with the former foster youth to address their specialized legal, academic, medical, housing, and financial needs;
- Regular, monthly committee meetings of stakeholders to share information relating to grants, legislation, workshops, speaking opportunities, etc
- ACC includes former foster students on the committee as well as student government representatives, department deans, tutoring, financial aid, and head of students with disabilities.
Texas State University (TSU)-San Marcos has established an annual $1,000 scholarship for former foster youth. The award is $1,000 per year ($500 per semester) and was established to help pay living expenses for students who were in foster care on or before their 18th birthdays. Recipients must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and preference is given to full-time students. In addition, TSU has a website to provide additional resources and other supports for Foster Care Alumni who are interested in attending TSU or who are enrolled at TSU. Interested students can contact the TSU Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at 512.245.2315 for more information.
Texas Tech University (TTU)-Lubbock offers programs such as the Pegasus Program which is assistance for First Generation Students. This program guarantees that you have academic and social support as you pursue your college degree. Interested students can contact Pegasus@ttu.edu for more information. In addition the Pegasus Program offers a "Hope Chest" for foster youth who are graduating seniors within the Lubbock area. Youth may contact the TTU advising Center at 806.742.2189 for additional information about the benefits available to foster youth at TTU.
Other Scholarships offered by Universities includes;
The University of Texas at Arlington
University of Texas-Pan Am
Some universities and colleges offer mentoring services for transitioning youth. Currently Austin Community College, Texas State University, Sam Houston State University, and Texas A & M University offer a variety of services to assist youth in higher education.
Statewide College Conference
Texas A&M University at Commerce holds a college weekend each spring. Youth who plan to attend college participate in two days of workshops, campus tours and speakers related to attending college. Workshops include information on financial aid, what a college class is like, residence life, and life skills.
Statewide Teen Conference
Each year the Statewide Teen Conference is held on a college campus. Approximately 155 youth and 80 adult sponsors attend a three-day conference with workshops related to preparing youth for adulthood.
Transition Centers and Educational Partnerships and Collaborations
Transition Centers serving current and former foster youth are located in several areas of the state (Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Beaumont, Houston, Corpus Christi, Central Texas and San Antonio) and have established partnerships with local higher education institutions and vocational/technical colleges. These partnerships have been an essential support for youth both before and after school enrollment and offer a main point of contact that assist youth in navigating through the financial aid process, orientation, academic counseling, and any other college related issues with minimal delays and without disrupting their education.
For the Fall and Summer 2010-Ft. Worth, San Angelo, Tyler, McAllen, Lubbock and Abilene will begin offering Transition Center Services
The Transition Centers have staff that can connect youth to local colleges and universities.
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