Basic Needs

Youth in Care

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Illinois Resources for Foster Care Alumni

In Illinois, there are a range of supports and programs to create postsecondary pathways for foster care youth. Participating current and former foster care youth receive academic and career counseling, mentoring, life-skills training, housing support among a variety of other services. Below is a list of programs, services and supports that are actively advancing foster care alumni through bolstering postsecondary access, retention, degree completion, and successful transition to adulthood.

Illinois College Preparatory Programs for Foster Youth

  • First Star Academy

    First Star Academy is a nationwide, four-year college and career preparatory program that provides high school foster youth with holistic, long-term academic and personal support to foster self-sufficiency through college and career achievement. The program offers monthly activities that focus on academics, life skills, and caregiver engagement and a residential summer immersion program at the hosting university. Currently, there are two First Star Academies located in Illinois:

  • Foster Progress

    Based in the Chicagoland area, Foster Progress aims to increase educational attainment among high school foster care youth while assisting in their successful transition to adulthood. Through mentorship, advocacy, and educational access, Foster Progress provides supportive programs and activities to help foster youth earn a college degree.

  • Project STRIVE (Strategies to Rejuvenate Interest & Value in Education)

    Targeting youth who have experienced trauma and neglect, STRIVE helps Illinois foster youth ages 14-21 transition into adulthood. In collaboration with Youth Guidance, Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (IDCFS), and Chicago Public Schools, STRIVE participants engage in social and educational enrichment field trips, college tours, and one-on-one counseling.

  • Life Skills Program — Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

    The Office of Education and Transition Services at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) hosts the Life Skills Program to help foster youth develop independent living skills while promoting economic and social self-sufficiency. In collaboration with IDCFS caseworkers, foster youth and caregivers create an individualized transition plan and establish time-sensitive goals for the foster youth. Upon completion of the life skills program, foster youth receive a $150 stipend (IDCFS, 2020C).

Federal and State-Level Financial Aid for Postsecondary Education

Below is a list of financial aid programs available to foster care youth in Illinois:

Foster Care and Legal Guardianship Verification

In order to receive financial aid for college, students are required to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). On the FAFSA application, look for the question, “At any time since you turned 13, were both of your parents deceased; were you in foster care; or were you a dependent or ward of the court?” If you responded “yes” to this question, you:

  • will be classified as an “independent” student, which will increase eligibility to receive maximum financial aids for your postsecondary education; and
  • may be required to provide documentation of your status. However, if necessary, your social worker can provide the required documentation needed to receive financial aid.

Your initial FAFSA application should be completed beginning October 1st of your senior year of high school and then again, every year while in college. Student must complete the FAFSA application to qualify for:

  • Federal Pell Grant(s) Program is federal funding that is distributed based on financial needs. Students with experience in foster care at any point after age 13 may be eligible to receive the maximum Pell Grant.
  • Illinois Monetary Ward Program (MAP Grant) can only be used in-state (Illinois college or university). Students who are currently in foster care, or were in foster care at any time after the age 13, should receive the maximum MAP Grant. However, Illinois MAP grant is awarded on a first come, first served basis, so students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA application as soon as possible beginning October 1st.
  • Chafee Educational and Training Voucher (ETV) Program

    For more information about ETV Program, contact DCFS Office of Education and Transition Services at 2001 NE Jefferson Ave., Peoria, IL 61603 Phone: 309-671-7969.

Illinois Department of Children & Family Services

DCFS scholarships noted below are not accessible through filling out the FAFSA application. However, students are required to complete the FAFSA prior to applying for the noted scholarships. Please note: each program has a separate application.

Information provided on this page was gathered from the Office of Community College Research and Leadership (OCCRL).