Education vouchers are federal funds made available to states through the Chafee Foster Care Independence Act. Education vouchers are intended to help current and former foster care youth pay for postsecondary education.
Initial application: Youth applying for an ETV for the first time, or those who previously completed an application but did not receive an ETV award, must be under age 21 by the application due date and accepted into an accredited postsecondary education or training program. Youth must also meet ONE of the following criteria.:
Renewal application: Youth previously awarded an ETV must meet all of the following criteria:
The maximum amount per year is $5,000 per student. Youth must apply for other sources of financial aid as well. In addition to tuition, books and fees, education vouchers may be used for room and board, child care, transportation, computers, and other expenses the student may need to cover to make a post secondary education possible.
The amount of an education voucher award is based on the amount of other aid you are receiving and an estimated living expenses budget which is a part of the application.
The application is available on the Minnesota Department of Human Services Education and Training Voucher website.
NOTE: The revised online application will be on the ETV website in April, 2013.
You also must attach copies of the FAFSA, financial aid award letter, school acceptance letter, and most recent transcripts. Students must reapply each year if they need ETV funds.
Students submitting applications and all of the required supporting documents on or before the following deadlines will receive the maximum ETV award based on their need with the maximum award of $5,000.
Students submitting applications and all of the required supporting documents by the following deadlines will receive ETV awards based on their need and the availability of funds.
Visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services Education and Training Voucher website or contact:
Minnesota Department of Human Services
444 Lafayette Road North, 3rd Floor South
St. Paul, MN 55155
Tel: (651) 431-4663
E-mail: DHS.ETVcoordinator@state.mn.us.
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