Press Releases

U.S. Representatives Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) and Judy Chu (CA-28) introduced the bipartisan Foster Youth Postsecondary Education Access and Success Act, legislation aimed at expanding and modernizing the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program under the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood (“Chafee program”).

The legislation removes longstanding financial and administrative barriers that prevent foster youth from accessing and completing postsecondary education. The bill represents a significant bipartisan commitment to improving outcomes for one of the nation’s most underserved student populations. 

“Every young person who has spent time in our foster care system deserves a real shot at accessing a quality job through higher education or skills-based training,” said Congressman Moran. “The Education and Training Voucher Program has served many foster youth but President Trump and the First Lady have called for modernizing the program to empower young people aging out of foster care. These common-sense policies will deliver practical results-driven reforms that can change lives and allow foster youth to reach their full potential.”

Key Changes in the Legislation: 

• Increases the maximum allowable value of the voucher from $5,000 to $12,000 per year without increasing total appropriations. 

• Simplifies and digitizes the application process to make the program more accessible.

• Requires states to conduct active outreach to eligible youth about the ETV and its benefits.

• Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to consult people with foster care lived experience when developing state guidance to ensure grace periods are allowed for students facing temporary setbacks.

This bill is endorsed by the National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI), FosterClub, Journey to Success, Child Welfare League of America (CWLA), and the National Association of Counties (NACo).

“Belief in the potential of foster youth and transition age youth must extend beyond words. Real commitment means putting resources, policies, and accountability behind that belief. The Foster Youth Postsecondary Education Access and Success Act does exactly that, strengthening pathways to higher education while investing in the future of our nation’s workforce. We thank Rep. Chu for her continued leadership and for setting a standard for translating commitment into lasting systems change for foster youth,” said Rebecca Louve Yao, CEO, National Foster Youth Institute.

“Foster youth have the same college dreams as their peers but fewer supports. Education and Training Vouchers help level the playing field, and this bill expands access. We’re grateful to Representatives Chu and Moran for listening to young people,” said Celeste Bodner, Executive Director of FosterClub, the national network for youth in foster care.

“This bipartisan bill takes a long-overdue step toward modernizing the Education and Training Voucher program so it works for today’s students. By increasing the value of the voucher, simplifying access, and ensuring eligible youth are aware of the support available, Congress is addressing real gaps that have held too many foster youth back. These practical fixes will help more young people build stable futures by creating success in school and work,” said Hope Cooper, campaign manager, Journey to Success.

Read the full text here. 

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