The Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program allows eligible students who have been served by the foster care system to receive a university education, build a network of support, and graduate with minimal debt. In collaboration with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and the Pennsylvania departments of Education (PDE), Human Services (DHS), and Labor & Industry (L&I), this program provides tuition waivers at postsecondary institutions, such as La Salle University, to program participants for up to five academic years or until they reach age 26.
To be eligible for the tuition waiver, students must:
Be a Pennsylvania resident
Be under the age of 26
Have received a high school diploma or equivalent approved credential
Be eligible for services under Pennsylvania’s John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood
Be identified as a youth in foster care or a youth discharged or adopted from foster care at age 16 or older
Exited foster care on or after age 16 to adoption or permanent legal custodianship
Be enrolled as an undergraduate, at least half time in a postsecondary institution that is approved by the U.S. Department of Education for Title IV student assistance programs
Demonstrate financial need for the PA Chafee Education and Training Grant (as determined by the postsecondary institution)
Maintain satisfactory academic progress (as determined by the postsecondary institution)
The Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program exists to remove any barriers to a postsecondary education for those who are or have been in foster care. If you or anyone you know could benefit from this program, please contact Tara Robinette at robinette@lasalle.edu for more information.