Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program
Are you currently or were you previously in foster care and need financial support for college or career school? If so, keep reading to find out how you can get free money through the Education and Training Vouchers (ETV) Program.
How much money can I get?
You can receive up to $5,000 per academic year to cover expenses like tuition, books, housing, transportation, and other education-related costs. Please note that for the 2022 fiscal year, the maximum annual amount was temporarily increased to $12,000, but it will revert to $5,000 per year starting October 1, 2022.
What are Educational and Training Vouchers (ETVs)?
ETVs are grants funded by the government and administered by the states. They're designed to assist youth like you who are in or have aged out of foster care by providing financial assistance for college, career school, or training. Each state may have a different name for the ETV program, but the goal remains the same: to give you the financial support you need to pursue your educational dreams.
WHO'S ELIGIBLE?
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Youth and young adults who experienced foster care after turning 14.
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Youth who transitioned out of foster care to adoption or guardianship at age 16 or older.
Since 2018, the Family First Prevention and Services Act extended eligibility until your 26th birthday, but the total length of time you can receive ETV vouchers is limited to five years (consecutive years not required).
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For detailed eligibility information, reach out directly to your state's Child Welfare Agency. You can find their contact information by clicking below.
Any other help for youth in foster care?
Besides ETVs, you might also be eligible for federal student aid if you meet the requirements. Learn more about federal student aid eligibility at StudentAid. For updates and additional information, visit StudentAid.gov or call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). Furthermore, certain states offer tuition waivers to help youth in foster care attend specific state colleges and universities. They are dedicated to supporting your educational journey.
Resources for youth in foster care
For more information, assistance, and valuable resources for youth in foster care, please visit the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Children's Bureau
WHAT STATE ARE YOU IN?
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming
alabama
Bill Benson
Independent Living Program & ETV Coordinator
Alabama Department of Human Resources
Family Services Division
AL
Phone: (334) 353-4494
Email: bill.benson2@dhr.alabama.gov
Valencia Curry
Deputy Director, IL and ETV
Alabama Department of Human Resources
Family Services Division
50 Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36130-4000
Phone: (334) 353-2509
alaska
Naomi Davidson
Independent Living Program & ETV Coordinator
Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
Office of Children's Services
AK
Phone: (907) 465-8659
Email: Naomi.Davidson@alaska.gov
ARIZONA
ETV Provider: Foster Success
Arizona Department of Child Safety
AZ
Email: AZETV@fosteredservices.org
Megan Conrad
Independent Living Program Coordinator
Arizona Department of Child Safety
3003 N. Central Avenue
Arizona Department of Child Safety
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: (480) 487-1496
Email: Megan.Conrad@AZDCS.Gov
arkansas
Crystal Jones
Arkansas Department of Human Services
Division of Children and Family Services
AR
california
Amparo Camacho
California Department of Social Services
Transitional Age Youth (TAY) Policy Unit
744 P Street, MS 8-13-78
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 657-3437
colorado
Elizabeth Hazelwood
Independent Living Program Supervisor
Child Services Consultant
Connecticut Department of Children & Families
CT
Phone: (860) 778-7089
Email: Elizabeth.hazelwood@ct.gov
Wendy Jackson
DCF PSE Consultant
Connecticut Department of Children & Families
505 Hudson Street
Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 723-7217
Email: wendy.jackson@ct.gov
Latosha Johnson
Program Director
Connecticut Department of Children & Families
CT
Phone: (860) 723-7213
Email: Latosha.johnson@ct.gov
deleware
Sophia Elliott
Youth in Transition Director
Office of the Child Advocate
Youth in Transition Unit
900 King Street, Suite 350
Wilmington, DE 19801
Phone: (302) 255-1737
Email: Sophia.Elliott@delaware.gov
Tamara Myles
Transitional and Independent Living Program Manager
Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families
Division of Family Services
1825 Faulkland Road
Wilmington, DE 19805
Phone: (302) 633-2538
Email: Tamara.Myles@delaware.gov
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Afrilasia Joseph-Phipps
Social Work Program Manager Office of Youth Empowerment
District of Columbia Child & Family Services Agency
Office of Youth Empowerment
3350 9th Street, NE
Washington, DC 20017
Phone: (202) 727-7517
Asante Laing
Program Administrator Office of Youth Empowerment
District of Columbia Child & Family Services Agency
Office of Youth Empowerment
3350 9th Street, NE
Washington, DC 20017
Phone: (202) 727-2668
Email: asante.laing@dc.gov
FLORIDA
Cal Walton, III, J.D
Deputy Director
State Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Coordinator
Florida Department of Children & Families
FL
Phone: (407) 241-4712
Email: cal.walton@myflfamilies.com
State Independent Living Resource Line
Florida Department of Children & Families
Office of Continuing Care
FL
Phone: (850) 300-HOPE (4673)
Eric Wetzel
State Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Coordinator
Florida Department of Children & Families
FL
Phone: (904) 622-9675
Email: Eric.Wetzel@MyFlFamilies.com
GEORGIA
Candis L. Jones, LAPC
GARYSE/Chafee Program Director
Georgia Department of Human Services
Division of Family & Children Services
2 Peachtree Street, NE
Suite 26-293
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 657-0637
Cell: (404) 640-2611
Email: Candis.Jones@dhs.ga.gov
HAWAII
Lynne Kazama
Hawaii Department of Human Services
Child Welfare Services Division
1010 Richards Street
Suite 216
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 586-7212
Fax: (808) 586-4806
Email: lkazama@dhs.hawaii.gov
IDAHO
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Division of Children and Family Services
Idaho COVID-19 Hotline
ID
Phone: (208) 334-6953
Phone: (208) 334-4932
Toll-Free: (888) 330-3010
Email: IL-ETV@dhw.idaho.gov
Autumn Mego
Independent Living/ETV/Child Well-being Program Specialist
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Division of Children and Family Services
450 West State Street, 5th Floor
Boise, ID 83702
Phone: (208) 334-6953
Email: Autum.Mego@dhw.idaho.gov
ILLINOIS
ETV Coordinator
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
IL
Phone: (309) 671-7969
Kim Peck
Independent Living Program Coordinator
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
406 E. Monroe Street
#23
SpringfieId, IL 62701
Email: Kim.Peck@illinois.gov
INDIANA
Anisa Evans
Older Youth Initiatives Manager
Indiana Department of Child Services
Older Youth Initiatives Program
302 West Washington Street
Room E306, MS 08
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 234-4500
Email: anisa.evans@dcs.in.gov
William Day
Independent Living Specialist Regions: 12-18
Indiana Department of Child Services
Older Youth Initiatives Program
IN
Phone: (812) 595-3575
Email: William.Day@dcs.IN.gov
Sheena Mickelson
Independent Living Program Regions: 3,4,6,7,10-12
Indiana Department of Child Services
Older Youth Initiatives Program
IN
Phone: (574) 229-3430
Email: Sheena.Mickelson@dcs.in.gov
William Thomas
Independent Living Specialist, Regions: 1,2,5,8,9
Indiana Department of Child Services
Older Youth Initiatives Program
IN
Phone: (219) 384-8682
Email: William.Thomas@dcs.in.gov
IOWA
Tristan Lynn
ETV Coordinator
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
IA
Phone: (515) 725-3409
Email: tristan.lynn@iowa.gov
Doug Wolfe
Program Planner
IL Coordinator
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
IA
Phone: (515) 377-0335
Email: dwolfe@dhs.state.ia.us
KANSAS
Amy J. Ervin
Independent Living Program Manager
Kansas Department for Children and Families
Division of Protection and Prevention Services
555 S. Kansas Avenue
4th Floor
Topeka, KS 66603
Cell: 785) 213-9602
Email: DCF.AdminIL@ks.gov
KENTUCKY
Paula Saenz
State Transitional/Independent Living Program Manager
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
275 East Main Street, 3E-D
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: (502) 564-2147
Toll-Free: (800) 232-5437
Fax: (502) 564-5995
Email: Paula.Saenz@ky.gov
Lorraine Wilbur
State Independent Living (IL) Coordinator
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
275 East Main Street, 3E-D
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: (502) 564-2147
Fax: (502) 564-5995
Email: lorraine.wilbur@ky.gov
Angela Winkfield
ICWA Liaison
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
275 East Main Street, 3E-D
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: (502) 564-2147
Fax: (502) 564-5995
Email: Angela.Harris@ky.gov
LOUSIANNA
Cindy Cornelius
Louisiana ETV/Chafee Coordinator
Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services
627 North Fourth Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: 504) 421-2459
Email: Cindy.Cornelius.dcfs@la.gov
LaToya Saulsby
Foster Care and Transitioning Youth Child Welfare Consultant
Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services
627 North Fourth Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: (225) 342-4007
Cell: (225) 953-1369
Fax: (225) 342-9087
Email: LaToya.Saulsby.dcfs@la.gov
MAINE
Dulcey Laberge
Youth Transition Program Manager
Maine Department of Health and Human Services
Office of Child and Family Services
ME
Phone: (207) 446-4227
Email: dulcey.laberge@maine.gov
MARYLAND
Amanda Beatty
State Independent Living Coordinator
Maryland Department of Human Services
Social Services Administration
311 West Saratoga Street
Office 556
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: (410) 767-7766
Cell: (443) 202-0660
Email: Amanda.Beatty1@Maryland.gov
Natalie Miller
Education Specialist
Maryland Department of Human Services
Social Services Administration
311 W. Saratoga Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: (410) 767-7149
Cell: (443) 915-0895
Email: natalie.miller2@maryland.gov
MASSACHUSETS
Staverne Miller
Assistant Commissioner for Permanency
Massachusetts Department of Children and Families
MA
Phone: (617) 748-2155
Email: staverne.miller@mass.gov
MINNESOTA
Kim Lemcke
Independent Living Coordinator
Minnesota Department of Human Services
MN
Phone: (651) 431-4686
Email: Kim.lemcke@state.mn.us
Paul Minehart
ETV Coordinator
Minnesota Department of Human Services
MN
Phone: (651) 431-4663
Email: paul.minehart@state.mn.us
MICHIGAN
Brandi McKenzie
NYTD/Youth in Transition (YIT) Analyst
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
MI
Phone: (517) 897-3056
Email: mckenzieb@michigan.gov
Ann Rossi
Education/Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care (YAVFC) Analyst
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
MI
Phone: (517) 256-8421
Email: rossia@michigan.gov
MISSISSIPPI
Kimberly Smith
Director, Youth Transition Support Services
Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services
MS
Phone: (769) 572-0181
Email: kimberly.smith@mdcps.ms.gov
MISSOURI
Sally Gaines
Program Development Specialist, Older Youth Program
Missouri Department of Social Services
MO
Phone: (660) 882-5312
Email: Sally.A.Gaines@dss.mo.gov
MONTANA
Elizabeth Bruchez
Chafee Independent Living Program Manager
PO Box 8005
301 S. Park Avenue
Helena, MT 59604-8005
Phone: (406) 366-0983
Email: EBruchez@mt.gov
Rhonda Safford
ETV Coordinator
Reach Higher Montana
PO Box 5209
Helena, MT 59604
Phone: (406) 422-1275
NEBRASKA
Deanna Brakhage
Program Specialist, DHHS Policy Unit
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Division of Children and Family Services
NE
Phone: (402) 314-8294
Email: deanna.brakhage@nebraska.gov
NEVADA
Lorena Bojorquez
Social Services Program Specialist
Nevada Department of Health and Human Services
Division of Child and Family Services
6171 W. Charleston Boulevard, Building #8
Las Vegas, NV 89146
Email: lbojorquez@dcfs.nv.gov
Lupie Janos
Social Services Chief
Nevada Department of Health and Human Services
Division of Child and Family Services
6171 W. Charleston Boulevard, Building #8
Las Vegas, NV 89146
Phone: (702) 486-7668
Email: mjanos@dcfs.nv.gov
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Rob Rodler
Adolescent Program Specialist
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
Division for Children, Youth & Families
NH
Phone: (603) 419-0312
Email: rrodler@dhhs.state.nh.us
NEW JERSEY
Niambi London
Independent Living Coordinator
New Jersey Department of Children and Families
Office of Adolescent Services
50 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625
Phone: (609) 888-7072
Email: niambi.london@dcf.nj.gov
Safa Simmons
ETV Coordinator
New Jersey Department of Children and Families
50 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625
Phone: (609) 571-7731
Email: safa.simmons@dcf.nj.gov
NEW MEXICO
Farra Fong
Youth Services Bureau Chief
New Mexico Department of Health and Human Services
Division for Children, Youth & Families
PO Drawer 5160
Room 254
PERA Building
Santa Fe, NM 87502
Phone: (505) 827-8400
Email: farrar.fong@state.nm.us
Estella Swain
Youth Services Bureau Chief
New Mexico Department of Health and Human Services
Division for Children, Youth & Families
PO Drawer 5160
Room 254
PERA Building
Santa Fe, NM 87502
Phone: (505) 827-8400
Email: estella.swain@state.nm.us
NEW YORK
Kerri Barber
Director Education and Transitional Support Services
New York State Office of Children and Family Services
Division of Youth Development and Partnerships for Success
52 Washington Street
Room 338 North
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Phone: (518) 474-9462
Email: Kerri.Barber@ocfs.ny.gov
Kenneth Kirton
Youth Development Coordinator
ETV Coordinator
New York State Office of Children and Family Services
Division of Youth Development and Partnerships for Success
163 West 125th Street 18th floor
New York, NY 10027
Phone: (212) 383-1834
Email: Kenneth.Kirton@ocfs.ny.gov
NORTH CAROLINA
Tori Marshall
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Division of Social Services, Child Welfare
820 South Boylan Avenue
2408 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-2408
Phone: (919) 527-6351
Fax: (919) 334-1097
Email: tori.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov
NORTH dakota
Lisa Piche
Case Management Administrator
North Dakota Health and Human Services
Division of Children and Family Services
600 East Boulevard Avenue
Department 325
Bismarck, ND 58505
Phone: (701) 795-3016
Email: lpiche@nd.gov
OHIO
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Office of Families and Children
OH
Email: oh@statevoucher.org
Laurie Valentine
Section Chief
Human Service Program Administrator 2 - Independent Living/Transitional Youth
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Office of Families and Children
OH
Phone: (614) 752-1122
OKLAHOMA
Jennifer Boyer
Programs Supervisor
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
Successful Adulthood Program Permanency and Well-being Unit
PO Box 25352
Oklahoma City, OK 73125
Phone: (405) 521-3777
Email: Jennifer.boyer@okdhs.org
OREGON
Kelly Brezinski
ILP and Youth Transitions Program Manager
Oregon Department of Human Services
Youth Transition Programs
500 Summer Street NE, E76
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: (503) 945-5688
Cell: (503) 884-8821
Hayley B. Smith
Post-Secondary Program Analyst
Oregon Department of Human Services
Youth Transition Programs
500 Summer Street NE, E76
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: (503) 945-5688
Cell: (503) 586-9278
PENNSYLVANIA
Teresa Musser
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Office of Children, Youth, and Families
625 Forster Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: (717) 214-7385
Email: temusser@pa.gov
PUERTO RICO
Jose Cruz
Social Work Specialist
Puerto Rico Administration for Children and Families
Department of the Family
PR
Phone: (787) 625-4900, Ext. 1684
Email: cruz.jose@familia.pr.gov
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RHODE ISLAND
Mike Burk
Educational and Constituent Support Services Administrator
Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families
101 Friendship Street
3rd Floor
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: (401) 528-3576
Email: mike.burk@dcyf.ri.gov
Jessica McCluskey
Youth Development Services
Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families
101 Friendship Street
5th Floor
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: (401) 528-3754
Email: jessica.mccluskey@dcyf.ri.gov
Sheena Mickelson Indiana Department of Child Services
Older Youth Initiatives Program
IN
Phone: (574) 229-3430
Email: Sheena.Mickelson@dcs.in.gov
Diana Correia
Educational Services Coordinator
Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families
101 Friendship Street
5th Floor
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: (401) 528-3454
Email: Diane.Correia@dcyf.ri.gov
Joan Harmon
Youth Development Administrator
Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families
101 Friendship Street
5th Floor
Providence, RI 02903
Email: Joan.Harmon@dcyf.ri.gov
SOUTH CAROLINA
Patrice White
Program Director, Chafee/ETV Program
South Carolina Department of Social Services
1535 Confederate Avenue
Room 520-1
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 898-7327
Email: Patrice.white@dss.sc.gov; IndependentLiving@dss.sc.gov
SOUTH DAKOTA
Eric Grover
Program Specialist
South Dakota Department of Social Services
Division Child Protection Services
PO BOX 6221
221 Mall Drive, Suite 101
Rapid City, SD 57701-7839
Phone: (605) 394-2525 ext.2000251
Fax: (605) 394-6651
Email: eric.grover@state.sd.us
TENNESSEE
Geneva Thomas
State Scholarship Coordinator
Tennessee Department of Children's Services
TN
Phone: (615) 532-9646
Email: Geneva.d.thomas@tn.gov
Dave Aguzzi
Assistant Director
Tennessee Department of Children's Services
Deaderick Street
UBS Building 9th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: (615) 532-9647
Email: dave.aguzzi@tn.gov
Courtney Matthews
Independent Living Program Director
Tennessee Department of Children's Services
Deaderick Street
UBS Building 9th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: (615) 253-1762
Email: Courtney.Matthews@tn.gov
TEXAS
Ben Alexander
Preparation for Adult Living Program Specialist (Chafee Services)
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
4900 N. Lamar
MC W-157
Austin, TX 78751
Cell: (903) 343-8667
Email: Loy.Alexander@dfps.texas.gov
Todd Serpico
CPS Division Administrator Transitional Living Services
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
4900 N. Lamar
MC W-157
Austin, TX 78751
Phone: (512) 460-7394
Email: Todd.Serpico@dfps.texas.gov
Gaye Vopat
Transitional Living Services Team Lead
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
4900 N. Lamar
MC W-157
Austin, TX 78751
Cell: (737) 239-6407
Email: Gaye.Vopat2@dfps.texas.gov
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
701 West 51st Street
MC W-157
Austin, TX 78751
Toll-Free: (800) 989-6884
UTAH
Aubrey Myers
Administrator I
Utah Department of Human Services
Division of Child and Family Services
UT
Phone: 801-541-5705
Email: amyers@utah.gov
VERMONT
ETV Coordinator
ETV Program
Vermont Student Assistance Corporation
VT
Phone: (802) 654-3798
Email: info@vsac.org
Amanda Churchill
Policy & Practice Specialist
Vermont Department for Children and Families
Family Services Division
280 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671
Phone: (802) 585-0554
Phone: (802) 241-0894
Fax: (802) 241-0916
Email: amanda.churchill@vermont.gov
Jessie Warren, LMSW
Director, Youth Development Program
Vermont’s Youth Development Program
Washington County Youth Service Bureau
PO Box 627
Montpelier, VT 05601
Phone: (802) 391-4322
Email: jwarren@wcysb.org
VIRGINIA
Letha Moore-Jones
Virginia Department of Social Services
Division of Family Services
VA
Phone: (804) 726-7576
WASHINGTON
Kathy Ramsay
ETV Program Manager
Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families
WA
Phone: (360) 870-9827
Email: kathy.ramsay@dcyf.wa.gov
Sherrie Flores
IL Coordinator
Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families
WA
Phone: (360) 489-5280
Email: Sherrie.flores@dcyf.wa.gov
WEST VIRGINIA
Evan Sprigle
Health and Human Resources Specialist Sr.
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
Bureau for Children and Families/Office of Resource and Resource Development
350 Capitol Street
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (304) 352-4521
Email: Evan.C.Sprigle@wv.gov
Wisconsin
Kelsey Hill
Health and Human Resources Specialist Sr.
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
Bureau for Children and Families/Office of Resource and Resource Development
350 Capitol Street
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (304) 352-4521
Email: Evan.C.Sprigle@wv.gov
WYOMING
Brian DeTavernier
Wyoming Department of Family Services
2300 Capitol Avenue
3rd Floor
Hathaway Building
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0490
Phone: (307) 777-6348
Email: brian.detavernier1@wyo.gov