I am a Foster Youth
If you have been involved in the foster care system and have financial need, we can help you navigate the process of planning and paying for college. The resources below can get you started down the road to college and a successful career.
The Chafee Education and Training Grant program helps current and former foster care youth pay for postsecondary education and training.
OSAC Chafee Contact
Anne Shearer, Grants Administrator
Phone: (503) 979-6002
Email: Anne.Shearer@hecc.oregon.gov
DHS Chafee Contact
Rosemary Iavenditti, Youth Transitions Program Coordinator
Phone: (503) 884-8821
Email: Rosemary.IAVENDITTI@dhsoha.state.or.us
Scholarship Purpose: To award scholarships to assist Oregon coastal county high school students who wish to pursue a postsecondary education at an Oregon community college. Applicants must be or must have been in foster care.
To apply complete an OSAC Scholarship Application.
Scholarship Purpose: To award scholarships to students who are current Oregon residents and who have been in foster care and wish to attend any Title IV financial aid eligible institution within the United States.
To apply complete a OSAC Scholarship application.
The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) partners with the Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) to determine potentially eligible students and to match DHS data with a student’s FAFSA/ORSAA information. Based on information listed on the FAFSA/ORSAA, OSAC provides a list of eligible students to be considered for a Tuition and Fee Waiver in the Financial Aid Offices (FAO) Portal.
Eligibility: The Tuition and Fee Waiver is for undergraduate students who meet one of the following criteria:
- Were in the care and custody of DHS, or one of the nine federally recognized Tribes in Oregon. Former or current foster youth must have spent at least 180 days (6 months) in substitute care after age 14, AND did not leave substitute care and custody of (DHS or Tribe) prior to the youth’s 16th birthday;
- Adopted former foster youth who have spent at least 180 days (6 months) in substitute care and were adopted on or after January 1, 2012; or
- Experienced homelessness for at least 180 days (6 months) between ages 14 and 24 years old and meet the following requirements:
- While experiencing homelessness, received services from an organization contracted by DHS or a host home; AND
- Was at least 16 years of age when last receiving services
Requirements: The undergraduate student must access the Tuition and Fee Waive prior to the age of 25 by:
- Enrolling at an eligible Oregon public 2- or 4-yr college or university
- Complete a FAFSA or ORSAA each year. Students must complete verification documents/information as requested by their school in a timely manner
*Students are eligible for the waiver up to 4 years (12 terms of full-time enrollment) or until they have earned a bachelor's degree, whichever comes first.
OSAC informs all eligible schools listed on the FAFSA/ORSAA of a student's eligibility for the Tuition and Fee Waiver. A student may list several eligible institutions on their FAFSA/ORSAA; all will be notified of the student's eligibility.
Waiver Amount: The school shall waive all tuition and fee costs after a student's federal grants, Oregon Opportunity Grant, and institutional aid have been applied to the student's account.
In addition to federal financial aid opportunities and programs specific to each institution, Oregon residents, regardless of age, may be eligible for the following state financial aid programs, as long as they meet all other program requirements:
FAFSA or ORSAA
Submit your FAFSA or ORSAA
Oregon Opportunity Grant
The Oregon Opportunity Grant (OOG) is Oregon's largest state-funded, need-based grant program for college students. The grant provides funding to more than 30,000 Oregon resident students each year.
OOG is a need-based grant awarded to Oregon residents of all ages who are pursuing their first associate's or bachelor's degree at an eligible public or private institution. Award amounts vary based on student's financial need and type of institution the student attends. There is not a separate application for the OOG. To be considered for the grant, students must submit their FAFSA or ORSAA by the deadline date each academic year.
Oregon Promise Grant
The Oregon Promise is a state grant that helps to cover tuition costs at any Oregon community college for recent high school graduates and GED® test graduates. Students must apply during their senior year or immediately after GED® test completion.
There is additional deadline flexibility for foster youth who obtain their high school diploma or GED® while in out-of-state placements. Foster youth who obtain their credential in an out-of-state foster care will have the residency requirement waived, due to their placement. These students also will have 12 months, instead of 6 to enroll at least half-time at an Oregon community college. Students must apply for the Oregon Promise Grant by the appropriate deadline. Please email OregonPromise@hecc.oregon.gov for deadline and application information related to SB 1605.
Oregon National Guard State Tuition Assistance
The Oregon National Guard State Tuition Assistance (ONGSTA) program provides funding for undergraduate tuition at in-state residency rates, certain fees, and a book allowance at eligible Oregon postsecondary institutions for current Oregon National Guard Members.
Student Child Care Grant
The Oregon Student Child Care Grant Program helps parents enrolled in postsecondary education to obtain safe, dependable care that supports their children's development while allowing completion of the parent's academic programs.
OSAC Scholarships
The OSAC Scholarship is one application that includes more than 600 scholarships. The Scholarship Application includes student contact and background questions, college plans, transcripts, activities chart, and personal statements.
Other Grants
Use the link below to learn more about other Oregon Grant Programs.
Other Workforce and Training Resources
Transfer Degree Information:
If you have already completed an associate’s degree, certificate, or some college, here are tools for transfer students.
Skills and Training Resources:
For information on how to build upon your current skills, including GED® resources, apprenticeships and training opportunities, career pathways, veteran resources, dislocated worker programs, workforce needs and more, please visit the Higher Education Coordinating Commission’s “build skills and training” webpage.
Workforce Development Resources:
For additional resources on workforce, visit:
Use the links below to access additional information and resources.
- Oregon Children First
- Casey Family Programs
- Orphan Foundation of America Foster Care to Success
- Oregon Colleges and Universities Academic Year Learning Term
- 211- This is a vital resource that helps connect students to local resources
- Foster Care Records from Other States- Oregon does not have access to foster care records from other states. Use this website to find contacts in other states.
© 2025 Higher Education Coordinating Commission