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Tuition-waiver expansion yields record applicants for foster-youth higher education program
Summary
DCYF staff and a guardian described the effects of recent legislative changes that expanded tuition waivers for youth formerly in state care, including increases in waiver slots and age eligibility and a record 84 certified applicants this year.
Robert Rodler's office and DCYF youth engagement staff updated the committee on the tuition-waiver program for youth who were in state foster care or guardianship. Elizabeth (Beth) Nee, youth engagement specialist, and a guardian, Fred Coelho, described program changes, outcomes and personal impact.
The nut graf: Legislative changes expanded the program's eligibility and slot counts; DCYF reported a surge in certified applicants and described the waiver as helping students continue education who otherwise would face financial barriers.
Nee summarized the changes passed in the most recent session: the number of waivers in the university and community college systems increased from 15 to 35; the application age limit moved from 23 to 26; and eligibility was extended to youths who left DCYF care for guardianship or who were placed with relatives out of state. The department reported an "unprecedented" 84 certified applicants this year (prior counts: 68 in 2024, 49 in 2023, 48 in 2022). The university system's 35 slots were filled; community colleges reported ongoing processing as some students enroll in January.
Guardian Fred Coelho testified on behalf of his grandson James, who is finishing a community-college semester and plans to attend Keene State for architecture. "Reducing his financial burden and supporting his effort to attend college will help him normalize his life," Coelho said.
Committee members asked whether there are ways graduates could donate back to the program; Nee said she would consider the suggestion but that no formal mechanism currently exists.
Ending: DCYF staff and witnesses described the program as successful in expanding access to higher education for youth formerly in care and said they will continue processing community-college waivers for winter starts.
