House Passes Reps. Chu’s Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Access to Postsecondary Education for Foster Youth

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the House of Representatives passed by voice vote H.R. 7431, the Fostering the Future Act, which includes the text of the bipartisan Foster Youth Postsecondary Education Access and Success Act introduced by Reps. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Rep. Nathaniel Moran (TX-01).

The Foster Youth Postsecondary Education Access and Success Act would improve access to postsecondary education for older and transition-age foster youth by strengthening and modernizing the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program under the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood ("Chafee program").

The ETV program provides support for foster youth pursuing a college degree, and Rep. Chu's bill would increase the maximum value of the voucher from $5,000 to $12,000 - the first increase since the program was created 25 years ago. The bill would also improve state outreach so more youth are aware of ETV, make applications more accessible, and help foster youth keep their vouchers for the duration of their education by providing a grace period for those who may be temporarily struggling with their academic progress.

"The ETV program is in need of some overdue updates to best serve our foster youth, and I am proud that we are one step closer to ensuring foster youth have the financial support that can make a meaningful difference in pursuing their education," said Rep. Chu. "My bipartisan bill recognizes that when we address the barriers faced by our foster and transition-age youth, we can empower them to achieve their full potential."

Click HERE to read the bill text.