Organizations, government programs, hotlines, and benefits for foster youth and foster care alumni in the United States. Compiled and maintained by Azgari Foundation, a 501(c)(3) serving young adults ages 16–25 aging out of the foster care system.
Last updated: August 2026These programs are funded by the federal government and available to foster youth and former foster youth across all 50 states. Apply through your state child welfare agency unless otherwise noted.
| Program | Who it covers | What you get | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| John H. Chafee Foster Care Program | Current and former foster youth up to age 21 (23 in some states) | Room and board, life skills training, educational support, financial assistance | childwelfare.gov |
| Education and Training Voucher (ETV) | In foster care at 14 or older, or adopted or in kinship guardianship from care at 16 or older; up to age 26 where the state adopted the federal option | Up to $5,000/year for college, vocational school, or job training | acf.gov (apply via your state agency) |
| Medicaid Extension to Age 26 | Former foster youth who aged out at 18 or older; in every state for youth who aged out on or after January 1, 2023 | Free health coverage (medical, dental, mental health, prescriptions) until age 26 | medicaid.gov |
| FAFSA Foster Youth Status | Anyone who was in foster care at any time since age 13 | Independent student status, so a parent's income is not counted in Pell Grant eligibility | studentaid.gov |
| SNAP (Food Stamps) | Low-income adults; former foster youth often qualify | Monthly food benefit loaded onto EBT card | fns.usda.gov |
| HUD Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) vouchers | Ages 18–24 who left foster care at 16 or older and are homeless or at risk of homelessness; referred by the child welfare agency | Housing Choice Voucher for up to 36 months (extendable), through the local public housing authority | hud.gov |
| WIOA Youth Program | Youth 14–24 who are low-income or face barriers, including foster youth | Job training, education, mentoring, paid work experience | dol.gov |
| AmeriCorps Education Award | Anyone who completes a term of service | Education award (amount set annually by AmeriCorps) for college or student loan repayment | americorps.gov |
These organizations operate nationally or provide resources, advocacy, and direct support to foster youth across multiple states.
Provides college scholarships, care packages, and emergency funds to foster youth in college across the United States. One of the largest scholarship programs specifically for foster youth alumni.
fostercaretosuccess.org →Youth-led organization that amplifies the voices of foster youth in policy reform at the state and federal level. Trains foster youth as advocates and policy leaders.
nfyi.org →Operates the Transitional Living program (YVLifeSet) in multiple states, providing intensive support for young people aging out of foster care, including case management, housing, employment, and mental health.
youthvillages.org →Works with governments to modernize child welfare systems. Partners with child welfare agencies to attract and train professionals committed to supporting youth in care.
fosteramerica.org →Reaches homeless and at-risk youth, many of them former foster youth, through street outreach programs in cities across the US. Provides food, clothing, hygiene items, and referrals to housing.
standupforkids.org →Focuses on ending youth homelessness, with special emphasis on LGBTQ+ youth, who are significantly overrepresented in both the foster care system and the youth homeless population.
truecolorsunited.org →Named for the landmark 2008 federal law, this coalition advocates for implementation of policies that connect foster youth to permanent families and extend care beyond age 18.
fostering-connections.org →A national network of current and former foster youth advocating for system change. Trains youth as leaders in policy, community organizing, and peer support.
fyi3.com →The federal government's clearinghouse for child welfare information, including state-by-state program directories, statistics, and policy resources. Run by the Children's Bureau (HHS).
childwelfare.gov →One of the largest private foundations focused on child welfare in the US. Funds direct service organizations, publishes the KIDS COUNT data book, and advocates for evidence-based reform.
aecf.org →Free college, scholarships, GED programs, and tuition waivers specifically for current and former foster youth.
Offers the Casey Family Scholarship (up to $5,000/year), care packages for foster youth in college, and 24-hour mentoring by phone. Available to current and former foster youth nationwide.
fc2success.org →Network of colleges and universities with dedicated foster youth support programs, including academic advising, priority registration, housing during breaks, and emergency funds.
campusconnect.org →Maintains a searchable database of scholarships specifically for foster youth, orphans, and youth who have experienced the loss of a parent. Free to search and apply.
scholarshipsfororphans.org →Five tuition-free, fully online job-ready training programs for foster youth ages 16–25: Marketing, IT Help Desk, Web Development, Bookkeeping, and Administrative Support. No cost to apply or attend. Enrollment is by partner referral.
Apply or refer → azgari.orgTransitional housing, emergency shelter, and permanent housing programs for youth aging out of care and former foster youth facing housing instability.
Provider of emergency shelter and transitional housing for youth up to age 24 in cities across the US. Provides housing, job training, medical care, and mental health services.
covenant-house.org →Provides transitional housing and wraparound support for youth aging out of foster care, with a focus on the first 1,000 days after leaving care.
1000daysfosteryouth.org →Provides data, best practices, and state-level resource directories for youth homelessness, with a focus on foster care alumni. Connects youth to local programs.
endhomelessness.org →HUD administers multiple programs for youth experiencing homelessness, including Rapid Rehousing, Transitional Housing grants, and Permanent Supportive Housing. Apply through local CoC (Continuum of Care).
hud.gov →Foster youth experience higher rates of trauma, PTSD, and mental health challenges. These resources offer free or low-cost support.
Call or text 988 for immediate mental health crisis support. Free and confidential, available 24 hours a day. Spanish-language line available. Veterans press 1.
988lifeline.org →Text HOME to 741741 to reach a trained crisis counselor by text message. Free, available 24/7. Particularly accessible for youth who may be unable to speak aloud.
crisistextline.org →Crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth. Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678-678, or chat at TheTrevorProject.org. LGBTQ+ youth in foster care are at significantly elevated risk.
thetrevorproject.org →NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-6264. Provides free mental health education, peer support groups, and referrals to local mental health services. Many foster youth qualify for free community mental health services through Medicaid.
nami.org →Foster youth have specific legal rights, and many qualify for free legal representation for issues including benefits denials, records access, and more.
Provides legal resources for immigrant foster youth, including information on Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), which provides a path to lawful permanent residence for youth who were in foster care.
nilc.org →Advocates for the legal rights of youth in foster care and the juvenile justice system. Provides legal representation and policy advocacy to improve outcomes for system-involved youth.
youthlaw.org →Federally funded nonprofit that funds legal aid organizations providing free civil legal help to low-income Americans, including foster youth. Find your local legal aid office at lsc.gov.
lsc.gov →Employment programs, job training, apprenticeships, and career support specifically for foster care alumni and opportunity youth.
Connects opportunity youth in the US, including foster care alumni, to education and employment. Provides a directory of local programs and advocates for systemic change.
opportunityyouth.org →Free one-year program for young adults 18–29 that combines skills training in tech and finance with corporate internships. Many participants are foster care alumni.
yearup.org →Five tuition-free, fully online job-ready training programs for foster youth ages 16–25: Marketing, IT Help Desk, Web Development, Bookkeeping, and Administrative Support. 16 to 24 weeks. No cost. Enrollment is by partner referral.
Apply or refer → azgari.orgFree education and vocational training program for youth ages 16–24, with 120-plus centers nationwide. Center operations changed in 2025 and 2026; confirm your preferred center is accepting applications at jobcorps.gov. Foster youth often qualify automatically due to income eligibility. Covers tuition, housing, meals, and a living allowance.
jobcorps.gov →Organizations led by and for foster youth, fighting for better outcomes and policy reform at state and national levels.
National network of foster youth and alumni. Provides leadership training, peer connection, and advocacy tools. Operates the FosterClub All-Stars program that trains foster youth as national change agents.
fosterclub.com →Leading research organization focused on improving the lives of children and youth. Publishes research and data on foster youth outcomes in the US, used by policymakers and advocates.
childtrends.org →Conducts Voices of Youth Count, a national study of youth homelessness that includes research on foster care alumni.
chapinhall.org →Five tuition-free job-ready training programs for foster youth ages 16–25. Fully online. Enrollment is confirmed through a partner agency; young adults without one can apply directly and we connect them with a partner.
Apply for free →