The Foster to College Scholarship Act
why it matters
Despite their hopes, talents, and ambitions, Ohio’s foster youth confront grave barriers. The Foster-to-College Act (HB 25; SB13) aims to change the narrative by making higher education and job training accessible—reducing incarceration, homelessness, and poverty in the process.
Source: https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2022/04/01/ohio-is-lagging-badly-in-some-foster-care-measures-reforms-suggested/
Barriers versus Fixes
| Today’s hurdle | HB 25 solution |
|---|---|
| FAFSA, ETV & OCOG deadlines misaligned | Navigator files every form on time. |
| Little foster-specific guidance in high school | Early outreach before graduation (bill p. 9, lines 219-224). |
| Fear of debt discourages enrollment | State guarantee: “Admitted? We cover the rest.” |
“I graduated top of my class with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a certification in violence prevention. I am part of the 3% of former foster youth to obtain a four-year degree, but… it took almost a decade.”
Jaleshia Brown
“With support, higher education outcomes for our population can and do improve … I want better for today’s youth.”
Michael Outrich
