Education and Training Voucher Program (ETV)

Under the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Amendments of 2001, DFPS recently received $1,416,125 in federal funding for a new state grant program to provide postsecondary educational and training vouchers (ETV Program) to eligible youth who are in or age out of foster care, or who are adopted from foster care after turning 16 years old.

The ETV Program allows DFPS to expand and supplement the 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.

Mission

The Education and Training Voucher Program will allow Texas to help youth make a smoother transition to self-sufficiency and independence by providing funding that will help youth receive education, training and services not covered by another funding source.

What Can ETV Pay For?

The ETV Program can help with:

Residential housing
Room and board costs/food
Tuition/fees (for non state-supported institution or if youth is not eligible for the state tuition and fee waiver for former foster care youth)
Personal items
Books/supplies
Child care
Some transportation needs
Computer or other required equipment
Medical insurance through school
Student loans and fees from the loans
Costs for 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

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 from DFPS foster care after turning 16 years old who are not yet 21, or
Youth participating in the education/training voucher 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.

Do I Qualify?

Youth between 16 and 21 who have a high school diploma or equivalent and who are enrolled at least part-time (6 hours) in an accredited or pre-accredited public or non-profit program that provides a bachelor's degree or not less than a 2 year program that provides credit towards a degree or certification, or
Youth who are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance (age 18) and who are enrolled at least part-time (6 hours) in an accredited or pre-accredited program that provides training toward gainful employment
Online/Correspondence/Distance Students PLEASE Contact ETV to seek approval for your program.

More Information and How to Apply

How to Contact Us

David Smith or Caroline Bogues

(512) 339-5807 (fax)

Or call toll free at 1-800-233-3405,

Select Option 2

Additional Information and Application forms can be found at the Department of Family and Protective Services web site.

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