Advice from your peers…

• Talk to your case manager or counselor at your school and ask them to explain the tuition waiver program for
  foster youth and some relative‐care (kinship) youth. Also ask about the Road to Independence (RTI) program.
• Read about RTI—you may be eligible for monthly stipends while you are in school.
• Read about the tuition exemption program—you may be eligible or free tuition based on your status in foster
  care or relative care.
• Start the financial aid paper work (FAFSA) early in the semester before you need financial aid (e.g., January or
  February for summer or fall financial aid). Watch the 5‐minute FAFSA video. It provides a quick overview of
  the process. Click here to get answers about FAFSA for youth in foster care.
• If you apply for financial aid late, be prepared for longer lines at the financial aid office and plan additional
  time to go through the process. Be patient and, rather than getting discouraged and giving up, remember that
  you won’t have the long wait in future semesters when you will be able to apply on time.
• After submitting FAFSA, follow up with the school to find out if there are other things you have to do.
• Apply for scholarships—there are many sources of scholarship and you need to find one that fits yours
  circumstances. It helps to search for scholarships based on your personal profile. For example, there are first generation in college scholarships if your parents/caregivers didn’t go to college.
• Scholarships are available for foster youth from the National Voice of Foster Parents.
• Don’t count yourself out for scholarships just because you don’t think you are a good student. You may
  qualify even if you don’t have high grades.
• Continue to apply for scholarships even if you get turned down for some. Keeping looking for scholarships
  that fit your personal circumstances so you will be eligible.
• Learn how to write essays that address the scholarship criteria. Ask for help in learning how to craft your essay so it will appeal to the funder.
• Start saving early—even if it is a small amount. It may be enough money to pay for one textbook or to replace
  a flat tire when you are in college.
• Obtain a break‐down of costs from the school you plan to attend. Then develop a budget that shows which
  source of funds you have to pay for each expense.
• Look for a part‐time job to supplement any funds you receive through RTI and financial aid.
• Ask lots of questions until you understand the processes involved in getting financial assistance.
• Get to know someone in the Financial Aid office. Build a relationship with that person.
• Visit www.KnowHow2Go.com and check out the Put Your Hands on Some Cash section.