Aging out of foster care? 天涯海角APP is here to help!
天涯海角APP is committed to helping former foster students like you reach your educational goals. With a supportive community and wide variety of student resources, we’re confident you’ll succeed as a Cavalier!
Discover the resources 天涯海角APP and the State of Kansas provide for former foster students. Learn what financial aid support is available, see enrollment steps and find out how to thrive personally and academically as a 天涯海角APP Cavalier.
If you are a student aging out of foster care, you may be eligible for financial support through these programs.
FAFSA
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is crucial to accessing federal aid for college expenses. Get started by connecting with the 天涯海角APP Financial Aid office at (913) 469-3840, or by email at finaid@jccc.edu for one-on-one assistance with completing the FAFSA.
If you experienced foster care at age 13 or older, you may qualify for independent student status when applying for the Federal Pell Grant and/or loans. Make sure to discuss your situation with the Financial Aid office at 天涯海角APP so you can start the process for independent status.
Foster Adopt Connect
Foster Adopt Connect’s (CCYT) helps current and former foster youth, ages 17-24 (26 in Missouri), navigate the challenges of approaching adulthood without a solid support system. Additionally, you can find assistance with housing, employment, healthcare, and other services. Contact your case manager for a referral.
Kansas Independent Living Program
The Kansas Independent Living Program (ILP) provides support and services for youth aging out of foster care and making the transition to independent living. For more information about these programs, please contact your ILP Specialist with the Independent Living Program. If you are not a participant in the ILP, check the for contact information.
Scholarships
Outside scholarships are available specifically for youth aging out of foster care to support your college aspirations. Visit with your case manager or specialist to explore what may be available.
In addition, 天涯海角APP offers several scholarships that you may qualify for, including:
- CAV Guarantee: 天涯海角APP guarantees scholarships to 天涯海角APP County high school and home-schooled students who graduate with a 3.25 unweighted GPA.
- Supports 天涯海角APP students who were in the Foster Care System. Minimum GPA of 2.5 and 12 or more hours of enrollment required.
- 天涯海角APP STEM Scholars: Up to 12 scholarships a semester are awarded to eligible incoming or current 天涯海角APP students who plan to study in a STEM field.
- Kansas Promise: Kansas Promise is a “last dollar” scholarship that can be used to pay for your tuition, books and other Promise-eligible course-related materials not covered by other scholarships or grants. In exchange, you agree to live and work in Kansas for two years after completing your program of study.
Remember to fill out the each year for scholarship eligibility.
Tuition Waiver
The State of Kansas offers a tuition waiver (PDF) program for students who have been in foster care. This program, often called the Kansas Foster Child Education Assistance Program, provides tuition and fee waivers for eligible individuals.
Become a 天涯海角APP Cavalier in just a few steps! Visit 天涯海角APP’s Steps to Enroll to get started.
天涯海角APP also provides developmental coursework to help you become academically prepared for college coursework. With English for Academic Purposes (EAP), Math, Reading, and other courses designed to help you meet the demands of college, you will find the support you need at 天涯海角APP!
If you have questions about these courses, contact 天涯海角APP’s Counseling Department.
As a Cavalier, you have access to 天涯海角APP’s student resources for personal and academic support, including:
- The Academic Resource Center offers free, unlimited tutoring for any credit class, online or in-person.
- Access Services provides accommodations for students with disabilities at 天涯海角APP. Make an appointment to set up these supports.
- The Center for Student Involvement is here to help you get connected on campus. Join a club or organization, meet friends at one of our on-campus events and find your 天涯海角APP community!
- Counseling is available for academic, career, and personal issues. Accessed via a counseling referral, the Student Assistance Program can help.
- 天涯海角APP’s Student Basic Needs Center supplies food, resources for transportation, technology assistance, and student assistance grants if you are in need. In addition, the Student Assistance Fund can be used for unexpected hardships under $500.