Paying for
School
Montana foster youth are eligible for Education Training Vouchers, up to $5,000 per year.
Summit for Foster Youth
Stay on a college campus, connecting with foster youth and preparing for life after high school.
Career
Exploration
We help foster youth get a jump start on career exploration and workforce opportunities.
Foster Care Resources
Check out our list of resources for foster youth to help support your goals.
How We Support Youth in Foster Care
Youth in foster care are amazing people and we love supporting them on their path to education after high school. Students need financial and emotional support when thinking about the next steps in life, and we offer guidance and funding to help these special students achieve their education dreams starting in high school and continuing until they reach their education and career goals.
Paying for School
Foster Care Education and Training Voucher Program
Montana foster care youth are eligible to apply for the Foster Care Educational Training Voucher (ETV) program*, which provides eligible youth with up to $5,000 per year to pay for educational expenses.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Was in foster care at age 18, "aged out" of foster care and is not yet 26 years old; or,
- Was in foster care and after their 16th birthday, permanency was established through a court ordered guardianship or adoption.
The ETV application is available online and easy to use.
- Start here. ETV Application
- Create an account.
- Once your account is created, look for the 'Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Application' in the list of available applications.
- Click the apply button to begin.
The priority deadlines for the program are December 15 for students planning on attending spring and summer courses, and July 1 for fall courses or the full school year.
* This project is funded in whole or in part under a Contract with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. The statements herein do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Department.
Scholarships for Foster Youth
We have a list of scholarships for foster youth, we encourage you to take a look and apply.
College Check In
We continue to support youth with foster care experience as they pursue their education after high school. Reach Higher Montana Advisors connect with ETV recipients at colleges in their areas several times throughout the school year to see how they are doing and to help them navigate college.
Click here for Reach Higher Montana Advisor contact information.
For more information about our programs, contact Christy Hendricks at (406) 403-6653, [email protected] or Steve Coop at (406) 880-1145, scoop@ReachHigherMontana.
Options After High School - 2 Year College
Reach Higher Montana Summit
Reach Higher Montana holds an annual Summit for Youth in Foster Care every year in June. The purpose of the summit is to help youth in foster care experience life on a college campus, learn about available resources to achieve education and career goals, and connect to peers from across Montana. Students apply for the opportunity to attend the Summit, and for applications, visit with your Chafee provider about applying for this great opportunity.
Next year's Summit will be held in Dillon at the University of Montana-Western.
Curious and want to know more? Check out this agenda and flyer .
For more information about the Summit, contact Christy Hendricks at (406) 403-6653, [email protected] or Steve Coop at (406) 880-1145, scoop@ReachHigherMontana.
Summit Application Process
Please contact the Chafee provider in your area to apply for the Summit for Youth in Foster Care. If you have any questions about the Summit or the application process, contact Christy Hendricks or Steve Coop.
The application process is open March 2 thru May 1. Contact your Chafee provider today.
Career Exploration Training
To help students get a jump start on career exploration, Reach Higher Montana Advisors will host regional training sessions across Montana to help foster youth explore available education or workforce opportunities after high school. These fun, interactive sessions guide students through Level All and/or the Montana Career Information System (MCIS), providing them with access to information and connections to careers available in their area. Contact your local Reach Higher Montana Advisor about one of these sessions or check out the Summit. A career fair will be available to students who attend the Summit each summer.
Reach Higher Montana Advisors are hosting regional training sessions across the state to give students a head start on career exploration. These fun and interactive sessions will help students discover education and workforce opportunities available after high school. Participants will gain hands-on experience with Level All or the Montana Career Information System (MCIS), providing students with access to information and connections to careers available in their area.
For more information on these sessions, reach out to your local Reach Higher Montana Advisor. Additionally, don’t miss the Summit each summer, where a career fair will be available for students to explore opportunities.
Resources for Foster Youth
During High School
- All Star Internship
Each January, the state of Montana selects two youth to represent Montana. Interns receive leadership training, educate peers and industry professionals, and attend national conferences and events. - Foster Care to College: Online Resources
From national scholarships, state tuition waivers to housing assistance and on-campus programs, find help getting to and through college. - Foster Club
Support for young people experiencing foster care. - Foster Club - Stable Housing Support
Here are some resources for housing when transitioning out of foster care. - Foster Youth Internship Program
Foster youth who are interested in federal policy and advocacy (Washington, DC). - HRDC
Visit each of our service areas to learn more about how we support our community. - Montana Chafee Foster Care Program
This program offers services for foster youth (ages 14-21). Connect with your local provider. - Montana Department of Labor Youth Programs
Delivers youth services that focus on assisting youth with barriers to employment and helping them prepare for employment and postsecondary education opportunities. - Montana Office of Public Instruction
This program ensures that youth in foster care have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as provided to their peers living with biological parents or legal guardians. - Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
This program gives students with physical and mental disabilities an introduction to work, helps them make informed job choices, learn good work habits and get real work experience. - Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services
This program provides services for individuals with disabilities to help them prepare for, get and keep a job compatible with their interests and abilities.
Scholarships for Foster Youth
- All-Star College Scholarship
Opens in Feb., closes May 15. Up to $10,000. (based on need, have been adopted at or after 13 years old) - BrandSource Trade Scholarship
Opens Feb. 28 and will remain open until spots are filled. Up to $11,000. Multiple scholarships for the following fields: Appliance Repair Technician, Plumbing, Electrician, Carpentry & Woodwork, Cabinet Making, Electronics Repair, Equipment Operator, and Industrial Mechanical Service. - Bush Scholarship
On-going. Up to $2,500 per semester. Limited to 4 per year. - Foster Care to Success Scholarships
Opens Jan 1, closes Mar 31. $2,000-$5,000 (based on need and merit) Renewable up to five years. - Foster Love Family Fellowship Scholarship
Closes May 9. Up to $12,000 for up to five years. - Hopa Mountain's Scholars of Promise Vocational Scholarship
Closes Dec. 20. $2,000 (vocational program, priority to foster youth or homeless) - Horatio Alger State Scholarship
Opens Dec. 1, closes Mar. 15. $10,000. (based on need) - International Student Foundation Scholarships
Submit application by April 30. Amount varies. - NFPA Scholarships
Closes Apr. 1. $500. Multiple scholarships. - The Nsoro Foundation Scholarship Program
Opens Dec. 1, closes Mar. 15. Amount varies.
