Del. Offers Tuition Waiver Program For Foster Students

Young people who age out of foster care may qualify for a tuition waiver at Delaware public universities and colleges.

Governor John Carney signed legislation Thursday (House Bill 123) to create the program, which also waives room and board costs for students in foster care who pursue higher education at the University of Delaware, Delaware State University or Delaware Tech. Under the legislation, eligible students must apply for any and all financial aid before being granted the tuition waiver for any remaining tuition and fees.

Students may use the tuition waiver until they turn 27.

“Making sure all of Delaware’s students have an opportunity to succeed has been our top priority,” Carney said. “This legislation will ensure some of our most vulnerable children are supported when pursuing higher education. Thank you to Representatives Griffith and Longhurst, Senators Lockman and Poore, the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families, and other advocates who carried this important legislation over the finish line. Our children will be better off because of it.”

According to the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families, 15 to 20 incoming freshmen will be assisted through the program each year.

“This legislation is so important,” Delaware State University student Mayda Berrios said. “Although I’m graduating this year, I am so happy that some many young people will be able to benefit from this. Thanks to the members of the General Assembly who pushed this beyond the Youth Advisory Council and made this into a bill today so that the future generation of foster youth who are experiencing hardships can now experience higher education.”

For more information about the foster tuition waiver program, please CLICK HERE