Youth in Care
Illinois Resources
In Illinois, there are a range of supports and programs to create postsecondary pathways for foster care youth. Participating current and former foster care youth receive academic and career counseling, mentoring, life-skills training, housing support among a variety of other services. Below is a list of programs, services and supports that are actively advancing foster care alumni through bolstering postsecondary access, retention, degree completion, and successful transition to adulthood.
Foster Progress (Y-CAP)
Based in the Chicagoland area, Foster Progress aims to increase educational attainment among high school foster care youth while assisting in their successful transition to adulthood. Through mentorship, advocacy, and educational access, Foster Progress provides supportive programs and activities to help foster youth earn a college degree.
Foster Progress
4422 N Ravenswood Ave
Chicago, IL 60640
Email: info@foster-progress.org
Project STRIVE (Strategies to Rejuvenate Interest & Value in Education)
Targeting youth who have experienced trauma and neglect, STRIVE helps Illinois foster youth ages 14-21 transition into adulthood. In collaboration with Youth Guidance, Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (IDCFS), and Chicago Public Schools, STRIVE participants engage in social and educational enrichment field trips, college tours, and one-on-one counseling.
Project STRIVE by Youth Guidance Chicago, IL
Email: info@youth-guidance.org
Life Skills Program — Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
The Office of Education and Transition Services at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) hosts the Life Skills Program to help foster youth develop independent living skills while promoting economic and social self-sufficiency. In collaboration with IDCFS caseworkers, foster youth and caregivers create an individualized transition plan and establish time-sensitive goals for foster youth. Upon completion of the life skills program, foster youth receive a $150 stipend (IDCFS, 2020C).
Federal and State-Level Finacial Aid for Postsecondary Education
Foster Care and Legal Guardianship Verification
- will be classified as an “independent” student, which will increase eligibility to receive maximum financial aids for your postsecondary education; and
- may be required to provide documentation of your status. However, if necessary, your social worker can provide the required documentation needed to receive financial aid.
- Federal Pell Grant(s) Program is federal funding that is distributed based on financial needs. Students with experience in foster care at any point after age 13 may be eligible to receive the maximum Pell Grant.
- Illinois Monetary Ward Program (MAP Grant) can only be used in-state (Illinois college or university). Students who are currently in foster care or were in foster care at any time after the age 13, should receive the maximum MAP Grant. However, Illinois MAP grant is awarded on a first come, first served basis, so students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA application as soon as possible beginning October 1st.
- Chafee Educational and Training Voucher (ETV) ProgramFor more information about ETV Program, contact DCFS Office of Education and Transition Services
- 2001 NE Jefferson Ave.,
Peoria, IL 61603
Phone: 309-671-7969.
Illinois Department of Children & Family Services
DCFS scholarships noted below are not accessible through filling out the FAFSA application. However, students are required to complete the FAFSA prior to applying for the noted scholarships. Please note: each program has a separate application.
DCFS post-secondary programs
Tuition and Fee Waiver Program
Tuition and fee waivers are available to a youth or former youth in care for the first five years that the youth or former youth in care is enrolled in an Illinois community college or public university so long as the youth makes satisfactory progress toward completing his or her degree. The community college or public university must waive any tuition and fee amounts that exceed the amounts paid to the eligible student under the federal Pell Grant Program or the state’s Monetary Award Program. To apply, fill out the application and email it to DCFS.TuitionWaiver@illinois.gov along with a student schedule that includes the student’s name, school name, term and student ID number. possible as they are processed on a first come, first serve basis:
- Fall Term: Aug. 15;
- Spring Term: Jan. 15;
- Summer Term: June 15.
Education and Training Voucher (ETV)
This program assists youth with cost of attendance and post-secondary education related expenses not covered by financial aid grants or the DCFS Tuition and Fee Waiver. Eligible students include those in DCFS care, those who aged out of DCFS care at age 18+, or those who transitioned to adoption or guardianship from DCFS’ care at age 16+. The application is available at: apply.mykaleidoscope.com/scholarships/ILETV. The complete ETV application packet must be received prior to June 30 of the fiscal year the expense is incurred.For more information about the Education and Training Voucher program, read the ETV FAQ Sheet.
DCFS Scholarship Program
The DCFS Scholarship Program provides at least 53 scholarships each year; four of which are awarded to children of veterans. Scholarship recipients will receive a waiver of tuition and mandatory fees if they attend a local Illinois community college or state university. The application period is January through March 31 each year. For the current year’s application, email DCFS.OfficeofEducationandTransitionServices@Illinois.gov.
Youth in College Program
The Youth in College/Vocational Training (YIC/VT) Program is available to youth for whom the department is legally responsible and who are enrolled in an accredited, full-time post-secondary educational or vocational training program. Youth in this program have up to five years of eligibility or through age 25 (whichever occurs first). Youth receive a one-time start-up payment and a monthly board payment to assist with room, board and personal expenses. Full-time enrollment and a minimum term GPA of 2.0 is required.