More foster and adopted youth in Kentucky are using the state’s college tuition waiver created specifically for them, according to a new report.
The report shows the graduation rate among students using the waiver is now around 40%, up from about 8% a decade ago.
Lesa Dennis, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services, said the data show the Commonwealth is moving in the right direction.
“I believe we are seeing increased utilization because community and technical colleges are often providing a more accessible and flexible pathway for our young adults transitioning from foster care,” Denis stated.
Denis pointed out the campuses typically offer more flexible schedules, workforce-focused programming and smaller learning environments, adding it can lead to faster pathways to employment and financial independence for foster youth.
Despite the promising signs, the report showed Kentucky foster youth continue to struggle with school attendance, often because of severe childhood trauma and life disruptions such as homelessness. They are also less likely to graduate from high school.
Denis noted the state has made strides in informing youth about available supports and helping them plan early for college or for earning a credential.
“Career and technical education, apprenticeships, certifications, et cetera, they can be incredibly valuable pathways to stability and self-sufficiency,” Denis outlined.
Denis pointed to state programs such as Earn and Learn, which pays foster youth ages 18-21 an hourly wage to pursue a GED or vocational credential. The program also helps with postsecondary education costs not covered by financial aid.