Junior League urges reinstatement of Foster to College scholarship in House budget

Julia Marino, a postdoctoral scholar and member of the Junior League of Columbus, asked the House Finance Committee on April 8 to reconsider and include the Foster to College Scholarship Act in the House budget after the provision was omitted.

Marino recounted recent testimony from a foster child, Priya, and the experience of Jay Brown, a former foster youth who described homelessness and hardship after being forced to leave college. Marino said the bill would provide last-dollar tuition support after federal grants and include guidance services for students. "I think the American dream depends in part on ensuring we don't forget young people who don't have parents to advocate for them," Marino told the committee.

Marino said the measure has had bipartisan support in past sessions: she told members her understanding that "85 house members voted yes on it last year." She urged the committee to explain why the bill had been omitted despite that support and asked what the Junior League can do if the bill does not advance in the budget.

Representative Ray asked whether the scholarship would help break the cycle of poverty; Marino said it would and cited mentorship and guidance services included in the bill as essential supports. Representative Charles asked what foster youth would want lawmakers to know; Marino described Priya's optimism when she testified and said that foster youth would feel confused if bipartisan encouraging gestures did not translate into funding.

Ending: Marino urged continued advocacy and noted that many surrounding states already offer similar tuition support for former foster youth.