Advocates urge reinstating Foster to College scholarship after omission from budget

Julia Marino, a postdoctoral scholar and member of the Junior League of Columbus, testified April 8 to the House Finance Committee that the Foster to College Scholarship Act, which advocates say previously drew broad bipartisan support, was omitted from the House operating budget and should be reinstated.

Marino said the bill — described in testimony as last-dollar tuition support after federal grants — would help young people who age out of foster care attend and complete college. She referenced two pieces of testimony in the record: "Priya," a fourth grader who previously testified in the chamber about her college aspirations, and Jay Brown, who recounted dropping out and experiencing homelessness after leaving college when supports fell away. Marino said about 85 members voted for the bill last year and that 35 states already have similar programs; those figures were presented as testimony and attributed to Marino’s advocacy work.

Committee members asked clarifying questions. Representative Ray asked whether the scholarship would help break cycles of poverty; Marino said surveys of Ohio foster youth indicate the majority want to attend college and that money is a principal obstacle. Representative Charles asked what foster youth would say to the committee if the bill was not included; Marino said young people would feel confused and abandoned after prior encouragement from lawmakers. Representative Schmidt suggested that advocates continue to pursue the bill outside the budget process if it did not make the operating bill, noting sometimes technical or policy issues require separate work.

Marino asked the committee to reconsider and to explain to advocacy groups and Junior League members why the bill was omitted; she said the Junior League would continue meeting and advocating for foster youth supports. No committee action was taken on the Foster to College proposal during the hearing.