Passport for Foster Youth Promise Program

The purpose of the Passport for Foster Youth Promise Program is to encourage current and former foster care youth to prepare for, attend, and successfully complete higher education.

This program includes recommendations on providing these students with educational planning information, institutional support, and direct financial resources.

The program began as a six-year pilot program, with the first funding distributed during the 2008-09 academic year. 

Its design includes a multi-faceted approach to improving college-going rates among former foster youth. Several agencies will share in the administration of the program.

Program elements

Transition Planning.  DSHS contracts with non-governmental entities to develop, implement, and administer a program of supplemental educational transition planning for Washington youth in foster care.

Information Sharing.  Procedures have been developed to identify students eligible for program services and to share that information with institutions of higher education.

Website.  A website has been built to provide information important to academic success, including: how to apply for college, take placement tests, and apply for financial aid.  It also provides financial aid information and resources for eligible foster youth.

Student Scholarship and Assistance. The Washington Student Achievement Council administers a student scholarship and consults with an advisory committee on implementing a viable plan for intensive student support. 

Program Details

Scholarship and Financial Aid. Financial aid administrators are prompted to recognize the true and full cost of each student’s education. The scholarship amount, regardless of the institution attended, shall not exceed resident undergraduate tuition and fees at the highest-priced public institution in the state. It will be combined with all sources of aid including a reasonable amount of self-help to meet student need. In the 2012-13 year, maximum awards are $4,500.

Institutional Assistance. Institutions demonstrating a viable plan for identifying and serving these students may receive financial and other incentives for achieving measurable progress in recruitment, retention, and graduation of eligible students.

Eligible students. Eligible students are defined as those who emancipated from foster care on or after January 1, 2007, after having spent at least one year in foster care after their 16th birthday. Students must enroll by age 22.  Eligibility is for up to five years after the student first enrolls, or until the student turns 27.

Legislative Reports

Passport to College Promise Scholarship (Dec. 2011)

Passport to College Promise Scholarship Program (2009)

Passport Youth Program - Status Report (Jan. 2008)

State Laws and Rules

RCW 28B.117

For more information:

Email: Dawn Cypriano-McAferty
Phone: 360-753-7846

Email: Rachelle Sharpe