Adopted Alabama youth can receive college scholarships through government and private programs.
Adopted youth in Alabama can obtain scholarships through programs offered by the government and state and national nonprofit organizations. The majority of scholarships offered to adopted children also provide funding for foster youth. Certain programs may limit awards only to children adopted through the foster care system, and scholarship guidelines typically have age limitations. Scholarships for adopted students may offer one-time awards or provide funding for up to four years.
Alabama Education and Training Voucher Program
The Alabama Education and Training Voucher Program offers scholarships for former and current foster children and youth adopted through the foster care system. The Alabama ETV Program receives its funding from the federal Chafee Independence Program. Adopted children can only qualify if they were adopted from the foster care system after they reached 16 years of age. Applicants must hold U.S. citizenship and meet asset limits. Adopted children can only submit an initial application for the Alabama ETV Program between the ages of 17 and 20. However, once accepted into the program, participants may qualify for funding until they turn 23. As of June 2011, the Alabama ETV Program pays a maximum of $5,000 per year, which recipients can receive for up to four years.
Alabama Foster and Adoptive Parent Association
The Alabama Foster and Adoptive Parent Association, a private organization, offers scholarships to children living in the custody of the State of Alabama, which may include foster care, independent living programs or group homes. The organization also extends scholarship eligibility to the adoptive and biological youth of foster parents. As of June 2011, the program pays up to $1,000 and recipients can use funds to attend vocational schools, colleges or universities. Scholarship guidelines limit applicants to youth 22 years of age and younger, and those awarded scholarships can use the funding to pay for tuition, textbooks and school fees.
National Foster Parent Association
The National Foster Parent Association, a national nonprofit organization founded in 1972, offers student aid for adopted and foster children through its Youth Scholarship program. The Youth Scholarship program awards funding to students attending junior colleges, vocational schools and four-year postsecondary institutions. As of June 2011, the NFPA offers scholarships up to $1,000. Candidates planning to attend four-year colleges or universities must apply for the Youth Scholarship during their senior year in high school. Junior college and vocational school students must be 17 years of age or older to qualify for the program.
Foster Care to Success
Foster Care to Success, formerly known as the Orphan Foundation of America, awards grants and scholarships to former foster and adopted youth nationwide. FCS administers scholarships sponsored by Casey Family Programs, which has funded approximately $1 million in scholarships, according to FCS. The organization also sponsors its own scholarships, which recipients can use to attend colleges and universities or pay for training courses. To qualify, applicants must have lived in foster care for at least one year before turning 18. Youths adopted through the foster care system after turning 16 and individuals orphaned for one year or more before turning 18 can also apply. FCS only accepts applications from students under 25 years of age.
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