Cabinet Secretary
Matt Althoff

DSS Mobile Logo
Mobile Menu Button

Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Funds

The Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program provides funding to assist youth with continuing education and training after high school or obtaining a GED certificate. Community Resource People provide assistance and services to youth in school, assist youth in accessing and obtaining financial assistance for post-secondary training, and research apprenticeship programs for youth.

ETV funds are financial assistance grants that can aid youth in achieving their goals and successful independence through education and training. If eligible, a youth in foster care could receive up to $5,000 a year to attend college or vocational school or to learn a trade.

ETV funds can be used to help pay for:

  • Tuition and Fees
  • Books and Supplies
  • Room and Board
  • Tools and Uniforms
  • Tutoring
  • Parking Permits
  • Meal Plans
  • Transportation Costs
  • Employment-Related Necessities
  • Child Care

Eligibility

Current and former foster youth eligible for Independent Living Program services are eligible for ETV funds.

To receive ETV funds, a youth must:

  • have a high school diploma, GED Certificate of Completion, or equivalent.
  • be enrolled in or accepted to a post-secondary or vocational school program.
  • be making satisfactory progress (minimum of 2.0 grade point average)if the youth is currently in a post-secondary or vocational school program and provide a copy of a transcript verifying their GPA. If attending a program which does not use grades to document progress, the youth must provide a letter from the program verifying that the youth is making satisfactory progress in the program.
  • have been adopted at age 16 or older, entered kinship guardianship at age 16 or older, or was in an out-of-home placement and left foster care at age 18 or older.

Application Process

To be considered for ETV funding, an application must be completed. When an application is submitted, all school and training expenses are considered.

You must also submit the following documents must be submitted with the application:

  • A copy of the acceptance letter from the college or vocational school.
  • “Cost of Attendance” form completed and signed by the financial aid officer.
  • A copy of the 'Free Application for Student Financial Assistance' (FAFSA), if appropriate.

If approved for funding, you must re-apply every semester by submitting the following:

  • A transcript of the prior semester’s grades. A  minimum 2.0 grade point average must be maintained for continued eligibility. If attending a program which does not use grades to document progress, the youth must provide a letter from the program verifying that the youth is making satisfactory progress in the program.

For more information on ETV funds, contact your nearest Community Resource Person or the Department of Social Services' Division of Child Protection Services at 605.773.3227.


Education and Training Voucher Program Brochure