Foster Care Tuition Waiver Program

Scholarship Overview: Youth who have spent all or some of their teenage years in foster care in Delaware may be eligible to have their college tuition and fees waived at public Delaware in-state schools.

Deadline Date: June 30, 2024

Scholarship Details:

Delaware Fostering Independence Through Education Tuition Waiver Program. The Tuition Waiver Program waives the cost of tuition and all mandatory fees at public Delaware in-state schools (University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and Delaware Technical Community College) for eligible young adults.  The Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF) administers this program.

You are eligible for the tuition waiver if any of the following applies:

  • You are eligible for or are currently receiving DFS Independent Living Services
  • You aged out of foster care in Delaware at age 18
  • You were in foster care in Delaware and went to guardianship or adoption between ages 16-18
  • You spent 1 year or more in foster care in Delaware between the ages of 14-18

Eligible students must apply for any and all financial aid before being granted the tuition waiver for any leftover tuition and fees. Students are eligible until they turn 27.

Application Process:

Once you are accepted to the school, or if you are a student currently enrolled at the school, please contact dscyf_highereducation@delaware.gov to obtain a letter verifying your eligibility. When you email the mailbox, please include proof that you are enrolled or accepted to one of the three schools. An example of enrollment documentation could be a screenshot of your schedule, an official email from the school verifying enrollment, or a scanned acceptance letter. Once your eligibility has been verified, DSCYF will send the eligibility verification letter directly to the school’s designated point of contact, cc’ing the student and their TIL worker, if applicable.

Visit Foster Care Tuition Waiver Program – DSCYF – State of Delaware to view the primary points of contact for eligible students at each institution, and they assist students in accessing supportive services on and off campus. If you have questions about using a tuition waiver at one of the three schools, you may reach out to the school contact directly. If you have general questions about the tuition waiver program or eligibility, please send an email to dscyf_highereducation@delaware.gov.

 

 

Application Requirements: Delaware Residents Only

Award Amount: $136,000

Award Details:

The tuition waiver covers all tuition, fees, and books. It also covers year-round, traditional on-campus room and board (if enrolled full time).

Website/URL: https://kids.delaware.gov/family-services/foster-care-tuition-waiver-program/

Scholarship Manager Information:

Contact Email: dscyf_highereducation@delaware.gov

Filters:

Eligibility: Financial Need
Areas of Study: Open to All
Applicant’s Current Education Level: High School Senior, College Student, Workforce
Institution Type: Delaware Institutions