March 01, 2024
Postsecondary Options for Youth and Young Adults with Disabilities in Foster, Kinship, or Adoptive Families in Virginia
Graduation from high school can be a time of uncertainty, especially for youth and young adults in foster care, but it can also open a world of opportunities. There are some postsecondary options that might be helpful as youth and young adults in foster care plan for the transition from high school to college or career. Here are some of the options and resources available in Virginia.
Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program
The Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program provides funding for education, training, and services needed for employment
The ETV Program:
Covers tuition and fees, room and board, and other related expenses including books, supplies, transportation, and child care
Can be applied toward, but not limited to, colleges, universities, community colleges, vocational programs, and one-year training institutions
To be eligible for the ETV Program, the youth/young adult must be:
In foster care, Fostering Futures, or aged out after 18
Out of foster care through adoption or the Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program after turning 16
Great Expectations Program
Great Expectations program provides a bridge from high school to college by connecting foster youth with an adult coach who provides mentoring and wrap around support.
The Great Expectations Program:
Virginia Community Colleges
Provides career exploration and coaching
Assists the student in applying for admission and financial aid
Provides life skills training, including budgeting and financial planning
Provides personalized counseling
To be eligible for the Great Expectations Program, the youth/young adult must be:
Affiliated with VA foster care system or KinGap
Or adopted from the VA foster care system after age 13
Or adopted as a special needs adoption prior to age 13
Enrolled in at least half-time enrollment (minimum 6 credits) in an eligible program of at least one academic year in length
G3 Tuition Assistance
G3 Tuition Assistance is for students living in Virginia who qualify for state financial aid and is available for select programs in five of Virginia’s most in-demand industries that are offered at Virginia’s community colleges.
G3 Tuition Assistance:
Available at 23 community colleges in Virginia
Helps cover tuition for select programs in healthcare, early childhood education, information technology, and public safety
Can help students earn workplace certification or academic degree
Does not require a high school diploma or GED although specific programs may have those requirements
To be eligible for G3 Tuition Assistance, the youth/young adult must:
Be eligible for Virginia in-state tuition
Have a household income less than or equal to 400% of the federal poverty level (approximately $100,000 for a family of four)
Be enrolled or accepted at a VA public community college in an approved program
Be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours per semester
Apply for federal and state financial aid programs
Check out these other resources:
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Programs and Services offers a comprehensive range of services and workforce development activities to individuals seeking employment, including new entrants to the workforce, and individuals with disabilities.
Virginia Career Works
The Success Foundation of VA (Richmond area) provides mentoring to young adults who have experienced foster care to help identify job and career aspirations and find sustainable employment that provides a living and career wage.
Virginia Education WizardÂ
VA fact sheet
