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

Julia Marino, a postdoctoral scholar at The Ohio State University and member of the Junior League of Columbus, urged the House Finance Committee on April 8 to reinstate the Foster to College Scholarship Act in the state budget and asked lawmakers to explain why it was omitted.

Marino framed personal testimonies the committee had already heard, including a fourth-grader named Priya who previously testified, and said the scholarship would give foster youth the practical means to continue in higher education. “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 said.

Marino told lawmakers the Junior League has bipartisan and community support for the measure and asked three specific questions: why the bill is not advancing despite previous bipartisan votes, why the bill was omitted despite arguments it could save money in the long run, and what civic groups should do if the bill fails to continue supporting foster youth. She cited testimony from a former foster student who dropped out after emancipation and the statistic that roughly 3% of former foster youth earn a bachelor’s degree.

Members responded that budget timing and technical issues sometimes prevent inclusion of stand-alone bills and encouraged continued advocacy. Rep. Ray and Rep. Charles asked whether the program would break cycles of poverty and what foster youth would want lawmakers to know; Marino said money and wraparound guidance are significant barriers and noted that programs in many other states provide similar support.

Marino and the Junior League asked the committee to reconsider or to provide guidance for next steps if the scholarship funding is omitted from the operating budget. Committee members reiterated that the bill remains an active legislative item outside the budget process and invited continued engagement from stakeholders.