Legislation, signed into law last month, waives in state tuition for foster youth attending a college or vocational-technical school in Oklahoma. This waiver will enable foster youth who have the initiative and the responsibility to pursue a degree in higher education. This is a great investment in our state s future. To be eligible, foster youth must be Oklahoma residents, have been in DHS custody for at least 9 months between the ages of 16 and 18 and cannot be older than 21. They must also be in good academic standing and have graduated from high school or received their GED this year.
Students have up to three years from their date of graduation to use the waiver.
The may use the waiver until they either complete their baccalaureate degree, or until they reach the age of 26. They don t have the luxury of a family to help them through college. This bill not only allows foster youth the chance to secure their future, but it strengthens the future of the state as well. The waiver, which went into effect July 1, is available beginning with foster youth who graduated this year. If you would like information on becoming a foster parent, call your local DHS county office.