UTAH EDUCATION AND TRAINING VOUCHERS
FREE MONEY for Foster Youth for
Technical Training or College
What is Utah Education & Training Vouchers (ETV)?
The ETV provides funding to help youth pay for college or technical training. ETV is a grant that does not need to be re-paid. It is free money. Current or former foster youth may use the ETV funds for things like:
§ Tuition
§ Books
§ Bus passes
§ Child care
§ Rent and utilities
§ Living Expenses
How much could I receive?
§ An eligible young person may receive up to $5,000 per fiscal year. The “fiscal year” applies begins on July 1 and ends the following year on June 30.
Who qualifies?
§ Currently in foster care and under age 21; or
§ Left foster care after the age of 14 and were unable to return home to your parents; or
§ Reached age 18 while in foster care; or
§ Adopted from foster care after age16; or
§ Currently or has been under tribal court jurisdiction and meet any of the above criteria.
What is required to receive your ETV Grant?
§ Apply and be accepted into a college or training program
§ Enrolled at least half-time
§ Complete an individual educational plan or course plan with an academic advisor
§ Submit a transcript from high school or college
§ Complete and submit the FAFSA application (this is mandatory). Apply for and accept available financial aid from other sources
How do I apply?
§ Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
o www.fafsa.ed.gov or download the PDF version for the FAFSA at www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov
§ Contact a Child and Family Services (DCFS) Independent t Living :
Region / Coordinator / Contact InfoSalt Lake / Jenna Leishman /
801-755-7092
Northern / Sarah Pomeroy /
801-629-5817
Western / Troy Gasser /
801-224-7824
Southwest / Mike Beacco /
435-652-2960
Eastern / Colleen Cook /
435-636-0206
State Office / Patti VanWagoner /
801-652-2173
What happens after I apply?
§ Child and Family Services (DCFS) will verify your foster youth status.
§ Your school financial aid office will determine your financial aid eligibility.
§ Department of Workforce Services (DWS) will send you a letter regarding whether you were awarded the ETV.
DON’T HAVE A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER?You need a Social Security number to submit the FAFSA. If you don’t have one, contact DWS or DCFS
Where can I use my ETV Grant?
You can use your ETV Grant at any approved Utah institution of higher education, as well as schools in other states, such as:
§ Community Colleges
§ State Colleges and Universities
§ Career and Technical Schools
§ Independent and Private Colleges
When do I apply?
§ July 1§ November 15
§ April 1 / Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Summer Semester
Will receiving ETV funds affect other federal financial aid that I am receiving?
No. The only requirement is that the total aid package, including the ETV, may not exceed the total cost of attend college or a training program.
How do I continue my ETV Grant?
§ Earn no less than a 2.0 GPA or passing marks in an ETV approved technical or vocational program
§ Submit a FAFSA yearly
§ Meet with your DWS caseworker
§ Not drop below part-time status
§ Complete and sign the Participation Agreement
§ Complete the Budget Worksheet
STAY IN SCHOOL OR LOSE YOUR GRANT!You must stay in school to keep your ETV Grant. If your enrollment falls below halftime or if you get bad grades, youth could lose your ETV Grant money.
Who do I contact for more information?
§ Visit the Just for Youth website at: www.justforyouth.utah.gov
§ Call Jode Littlepage at: 801-707-9734