If you are currently or were previously in foster care, or both of your parents are deceased, you may qualify for additional financial aid and support to help pay for college.
- Foster Youth College Success Initiative (FYCSI): Provides additional financial assistance and support to eligible students who are currently or were previously in foster care, were adopted or entered a KinGAP arrangement after age 13, or meet certain other eligibility criteria.
- Education and Training Voucher (ETV): Eligible current and former foster youth may receive up to $5,000 per year to help pay for college or career training.
- FAFSA Independent Student Status: If you were in foster care at any time since age 13, or both of your parents were deceased at any time since you turned 13, you may be considered an independent student and generally will not need to provide parent information on the FAFSA.
FYCSI Eligibility
The Foster Youth College Success Initiative (FYCSI) provides additional financial assistance and support for eligible students. Funding may help with tuition and fees, books and supplies, transportation, meals, housing, and other costs associated with attending college.
To qualify for the Foster Youth College Success Initiative (FYCSI), you must currently be a New York State resident and meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Were in foster care on or after your 13th birthday in New York or another state.
- Were adopted on or after your 13th birthday or lived with a relative through a Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KinGAP) agreement.
- Lost both parents before age 18 and were not adopted before age 13.
- Are an undocumented student who was in foster care on or after your 13th birthday.
How to Apply for FYCSI
- Complete the FAFSA and New York State TAP application each year.
- When completing your TAP application, be sure to indicate that you are currently or were previously in foster care, if applicable. This helps identify you for foster youth financial aid and support.
- Complete the FYCSI Consent Form (OCFS-3165) and email it to FCY4College@ocfs.ny.gov.
The consent form allows the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to confirm your eligibility and share that information with New York State and FLCC. After you submit the consent form, the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) will review your information to determine your eligibility.
ETV Eligibility
You must begin receiving ETV before your 21st birthday. Once you begin receiving ETV, you may remain eligible until your 26th birthday and receive funding for up to five years.
You must also meet at least one of these requirements:
- Are currently in foster care, including certain youth in the juvenile justice system.
- Were previously in foster care and are eligible for services through the Chafee Foster Care Program.
- Were adopted from U.S. foster care or entered a Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KinGAP) at age 16 or older.
- Left U.S. foster care at age 14 or older for a reason other than adoption or KinGAP.
- Are currently in the custody of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and meet certain placement or aftercare requirements.
How to Apply for ETV
The ETV application opens August 1 each year for the upcoming academic year. Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Before applying for ETV, you must complete the FAFSA for the academic year. You must submit a new ETV application each year.
For questions related to financial aid, please contact the One Stop Center as your first point of contact. They will guide your next steps.
Federal College code: 007532
State College code: 2256