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| School is about to start for students across the state. For many of our Foster leaders, the classroom was a place of refuge, where, unlike their time in foster care, they had agency and connections. Over 80% of high school Fosters want to continue with post-secondary education, but that dream was financially out-of-reach for so many–until now.
In 2021, our Foster leaders led passage of the most comprehensive college support for Fosters in the country. The Office of Higher Education is preparing to disperse the new Fostering Independence Grants (FIG) starting this fall. Want to learn more? Do you have questions about how FIG is awarded, or how it works together with other funding, such as the Education and Training Vouchers or extended foster care benefits? Join us for: |
| We’ll share updates on the implementation process and highlights on what Fosters, their support networks, educational professionals, and the broader Minnesota community should know!
We’d like to add another 50 members to our Village before year-end to get the word out. For those of you who attended our FIG Village Gathering in May, invite someone in your network (or two or three or more) who can support a Foster and this movement by knowing more about FREE college for Fosters.
Whether folks have a Foster in their life or not— all are welcome and needed at our Village Gatherings. It will take a large community to amplify and support the movement for Foster Rights!
Because it takes a village, |
| Hannah Planalp
Director of Education |
Fostering Independence Grants
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| In the midwest, only 3% of Fosters complete a college degree by age 24, despite over 80% of high-school-aged Fosters wanting to pursue post-secondary education.
In 2021, our Foster leaders went to testify at the Minnesota legislature to ensure Fosters had access to the same educational opportunities as their peers. It is because of them that Minnesota passed the Fostering Higher Education Act, which is the most comprehensive college funding in the country for Fosters. Starting this fall, state funding—the Fostering Independence Grants (FIG)—will cover the full cost of attendance for anyone who was in foster care after the age of 13, at these Minnesota schools. |
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Copyright © 2022 Foster Advocates, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
1425 Minnehaha Ave E, #600-761
St. Paul, MN 55106
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