Chafee Education and Training Vouchers Program

Scholarship Overview: Current or former Delaware youth, who is or has experienced foster care in Delaware and plans to pursue post-secondary education or training programs
Application Available: July 10, 2024
Deadline Date: April 30, 2025
Scholarship Details:

The Chafee Education and Training Vouchers (ETV) Program is a federally-funded, state-administered program which provides eligible youth up to $5,000 a year to cover the costs associated with post-secondary education or training programs. ETV funds can be used for direct costs, such as tuition, books, meal plans and campus housing, and indirect costs, such as transportation, utilities, childcare, or off-campus housing.

Eligibility Requirements

1. You must be a current or former Delaware youth, who is or has experienced foster care in Delaware.
2. You must have a high school diploma or GED.
3. You must be accepted or attending an institution of higher learning or trade school, AND if already attending, you must be making satisfactory academic or vocational progress toward completion of that program.
4. You must be a Delaware resident.
5. You must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen.
6. You must annually complete the federal Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) .
7. You must complete an online application (click application link below) and participate in an interview with the Office of the Child Advocate.

Application Process

• Scholarships are accepted on a rolling basis from July 1st – April 30th through the online portal.
• Applicants must have a current email address.
• If you have an independent living worker, please contact your worker for assistance with the application process.
• If you do not have an assigned independent living worker, please contact OCA.Scholarships@Delaware.gov for assistance with the application process and with completion of the federal Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) forms.
• Please note that only one application must be completed for these two scholarship programs.
  1. New applicants: New applicants must first complete an intake form (Part 1) and then submit your financial information (Part 2) once receiving approval to create their portal. You will need your financial aid award letter in order to complete Part 2 of the application. If you haven’t received the financial aid award letter at the time of completion, you will be required to submit it before a scholarship is awarded.
  2. Renewal applicants: If you have previously applied using the online portal, you will only need to login to the online portal and complete a new financial worksheet (Part 2). Your financial aid award letter will be needed to complete this section of the application.
• Once your application has been received, OCA staff will be in contact with you about your eligibility.

Renewal Requirements

1. You must be attending an institution of higher learning or trade school AND making satisfactory academic or vocational progress toward completion of that program. Satisfactory academic progress is defined as a 2.0 GPA or greater.
2. You must have participated in the program for less than five years, whether or not consecutively.
3. You must annually complete the federal Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) .
4. You must resubmit your financial information and complete an interview with the Office of the Child Advocate.

Application Requirements: Delaware Residents Only, Essay

Essay Details:

Please explain what you intend to study in college/vocational school and why you want to pursue this education. Explain how much financial aid you are requesting and the types of expenses for which you need assistance. This should be approximately 100-150 words in length

Award Amount: $5,000
Award Details:

$5,000 a year to cover the costs associated with post-secondary education or training programs. ETV funds can be used for direct costs, such as tuition, books, meal plans and campus housing, and indirect costs, such as transportation, utilities, childcare, or off-campus housing.

Website/URL: https://courts.delaware.gov/childadvocate/scholarships.aspx

Scholarship Manager Information:

Contact Name: Office of Child Advocate
Contact Email: noemail@delaware.gov
Contact Phone Number: (302) 255-1730

Filters:

Eligibility: Financial Need, U.S Citizen/Permanent Resident
Areas of Study: Open to All
Applicant’s Current Education Level: High School Senior, College Student, Technical/Trade Student, Workforce
Location Specific: Delaware
Institution Type: Trade/Technical Schools