Congresswoman Lawrence Introduces the Fostering Academic Information and Resources (FAIR) Act
Washington, D.C. –Congresswoman Lawrence introduced H.R. 3418, “The Fostering Academic Information and Resources (FAIR) Act” to give former foster youth a fair chance at pursuing a college degree. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, 84% of college aged foster youth report wanting to go to college, but only 20% actually attend. This bill ensures that each child is informed of all federal programs available that cover higher education expenses for foster youth:
“Former foster youth qualify for various higher education assistance programs like Chafee Education and Training Vouchers or Pell Grants that help pay for college,” said Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, Co-Chair of Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth. “Unfortunately, children in care are not always informed of these valuable tuition or housing assistance programs. Especially for former foster youth, the steep costs of tuition, housing, or even the price of books become insurmountable barriers to higher education.”
“Knowing about available resources can make all the difference, especially for foster youth. It’s imperative we do all that we can to make sure foster youth are always fully informed of tuition or housing assistance programs,” said Congresswoman Karen Bass, founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth. “The Fostering Academic Information and Resources Act does just that, which is why I’m proud to support it and urge my colleagues to do so as well.”
“My summer intern Jameshia, a former foster youth and participant in the Foster Youth Internship Program®, had the opportunity to attend her dream school, but the costs of attending led to her departure after her first year. By chance, she spotted a brochure on a coffee table outlining federal assistance programs enabling her to re-enroll in college, earn her Bachelor’s degree, and recently complete her Master’s in Social Work. With this simple fix, the FAIR Act helps former foster youth, like Jameshia, take full advantage of every program to help ease the soaring costs of a college degree.” –Congresswoman Lawrence