Articles, Research and Legislation
Child Welfare Policy Manual provided by the Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human services, the Manual answers the questions about, Chafee Educational and Training Voucher Program, eligibility and age limits for the Program, guidelines for the states on how to use the Chafee appropriations, etc.
Arizona Department of Economic Security that administers Independent Living Program/Young Adult Program enabling youth from foster care to obtain postsecondary education.
Casey Family Programs Resource Library provides a host of downloadable research pertaining children and youth in/out of foster care conducted by the Organization, which is the biggest researcher in the field.
National Resource Center for Youth Services at the University of Oklahoma provides training, technical assistance and certification for youth care professionals. Also, has a data about foster youth programs and statistics of each state across the country
National Working Group on Foster Care and Education, working under the auspices of Casey Family Programs, advocates for the rights of children and youth in and out of foster care.
FAFSA on the Web, The Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The application for federal student financial aid, processed at no cost to the applicant. It is used to determine a student’s eligibility for federal grant, loan and work funds.
Foster Care Alumni Resources
Casey Family Programs valuable downloadable guidelines for alumni of foster care and their advocates on advocacy, education, employment, and housing
Foster Care Alumni of America, Arizona Chapter. The website is a great opportunity to learn about the needs and concerns of foster care alumni around the country, get involved, and receive answers about education and housing.
Foster Club, Arizona Foster Club provides information on foster care and invites young people to join, to participate, and to become an "Outstanding Young Leader."
Alumni of Care. Website for alumni of care with tips from healthy eating to preparing and getting through college.
Destination Graduation is a Washington State organization helping youth in/out of foster care and their advocates. The website provides a forum, where you can get answers to your questions from people working to help youth in/out of care.
Scholarships and Financial Support
Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation, LIST of scholarships. Besides providing scholarships for postsecondary education, gives a list of Arizona public and nonprofit agencies that do so.
Arizona Foster Youth 411 provides tips for foster care children, youth, and foster parents, as well as a list of public institutions working to assist young people in foster care and Education and Training Voucher application.
Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars, Arizona alumni of welfare system are welcome to apply, if they are interested in pursuing postsecondary education at Arizona State University.
Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative can be helpful for alumni of foster care to build and maintain economic stability, find financial support for education and decent housing. Support is provided to youth up to 24 years old.
To find local or state programs, try typing foster care scholarships in a scholarship search engine (such as College, College Scholarships, and Online Degrees) or go to the website for the state’s higher education office.
Orphan Foundation of America (OFA) provides information and applications for their scholarships for students from foster care. Go to www.orphan.org, click Scholarships. Also, click on Casey Family Scholars Scholarships.
Horatio Alger Scholarship awarded through Walter and Suzanne Scott Foundation in Arizona.
Quest Bridge, scholarships available for anyone with income of less than $50,000 a year.
Charley Wootan Grant Program, a one-year grant ranging from $1,000 to $4,000.
Capital One Fostering a Future Scholarship Application. The scholarship is targeting those adopted from foster care. It provides $5,000 for two-year colleges, and $10,000 for four-year colleges.
Dream Keepers Emergency Financial Aid Program helps students from community colleges at risk of dropping out due to a financial emergency.
HOMELESS RESOURCES
Articles, Research and Legislation
National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY) is an excellent resource for legislative, education, and scholarship resources for professionals assisting youth who are homeless.
National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty advocates for the rights of homeless on the legislative level.
National Center For Homeless Education, Educational materials pertaining to foster youth.
Resources for Youth Who are Homeless
Arizona Department of Education. Education for Homeless Children and Youth. A wealth of information on legislation, training, economic maintenance of youth who are homeless in Arizona. In addition, lists of organizations that provide services to homeless youth.
National Network for Youth assists homeless, runaway, and abandoned youth.
National Center on Homeless Education gives links to Arizona State Coordinator for Homeless Education, Directory of National, Statewide & Local Homeless Advocacy Coalitions, and a Directory of Local Homeless Service Organizations.
NAEHCY Higher Education Helpline. For assistance with issues related to students experiencing homelessness accessing higher education. The Helpline can be accessed by phone or email.
Scholarships and Financial Support
NAEHCY. Small scholarships for students who experienced homelessness in their school career.
National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, here you can learn everything about financial aid across the country and in Arizona.
LeTendre Education Fund Scholarship is administered by the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth.