Starting this fall, the City of New York will offer full-tuition funds up to 15,000$ a year to all students in foster care who attend one of the city's public colleges and provide other benefits such as housing, book costs, and a 60$ stipend to help with food and book costs. In addition, the scholarship will cover the cost of tuition at any of the city's community colleges, as well as four-year CUNY and SUNY schools.

In addition, the scholarship will cover the cost of mandatory fees, such as transportation and books. The scholarship is part of the Mayor's initiative to increase college access and success for all City residents. As part of the initiative, the city has also created a dedicated team of counselors working with foster care students to navigate the college admissions process. With this new program, the city is committed to ensuring that all young people have the opportunity to pursue their dreams.

All youth in foster care will continue to receive coaching and tutoring through "Fair Futures." This program has been helping thousands of young people in foster care, ages 11 to 21, since 2019. Recently, the Adams administration expanded Fair Futures so that it also helps youth ages 21-26. Additionally, the New York Foundling - a non-profit social service organization - will provide students with tutoring, career counseling, and other related services.

Students won't have to worry about where they will stay since housing is offered in one of these areas: 

§ The Towers at City College of New York

§ The Summit at Queens College

§ Hunter College Residence Hall (Only for students attending Hunter College)

§ International House of New York

§ 92Y Residence

§ Outpost-Club Student Housing in New York City

Students who attend a college or university outside of New York City can live in housing sponsored by that college or university or in safe and appropriate off-campus private housing. They can attend college anywhere and still receive these benefits along with their daily stipends to receive food, transportation, books, water, and more that aren't covered by financial aid.

As long as they apply for financial aid, maintain a 2.0-grade point average, and participate in any academic support programs for which they're eligible, all full-time college students in foster care will be eligible for the following benefits from College Choice: 

• Students who only take online classes at a college or university can live in housing sponsored by that college or university or in any of the six housing options for New York City students. Students who want to stay in college/university housing during the summer must be engaged in meaningful summer activities (such as participating in an internship or taking classes).

• Students can receive tutoring, career counseling, and related support provided online and in-person by New York Foundling staff.
• Students can maintain their Fair Futures coach while in college.

According to a quote from Mayor Eric Adams, "This new program provides our young people in foster care help in covering up to $15,000 in tuition costs each year not covered by financial aid, as well as room and board, and even provides a daily stipend for food or clothes. Growing up has never been more challenging, so we are holding the torch to support our young people. No students' chances for success should depend on factors outside their control.

Now, our youth in foster care can attend a community college, a CUNY, a SUNY, an Ivy League, an HBCU, or any other school they dream of without worrying about how they pay for their education."

What is the Fair Futures Program?

The Fair Futures program is a new initiative from the Department of Education that seeks to level the playing field for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances. In addition, the program provides funding and support to high-need schools, focusing on those serving low-income students and students of color.

In addition to financial assistance, the program provides specialized training for teachers and school leaders and wraparound services for students and families. The Fair Futures program aims to ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of where they comes from. In addition, all students can succeed in school and lead successful lives with adequate support and resources.

The Fair Futures program in New York is important because it helps level the playing field for young people growing up in poverty. In addition, the program provides mentorship and job training opportunities that can help participants to find steady employment and build successful careers. In addition, the program offers financial assistance for participants who are pursuing post-secondary education.

Creating programs similar to this can help to break the cycle of poverty and give young people the chance to reach their full potential. By providing access to opportunity, the Fair Futures program is helping to create a more just and equitable society for all.

How Can More States Offer Programs Similar to Fair Futures?

Many states are currently facing budget deficits and, as a result, are cutting back on funding for programs that serve vulnerable populations. One type of program that has been particularly hard hit is transitional programming for youth aging out of the foster care system. These programs provide vital support to young adults as they make the transition to independent living. As a result of various situations, many youths end up homeless or involved in the criminal justice system without them.

The programs similar to the fair futures program in New York are one example of a successful transitional program that has helped countless youth achieve stability and success. Given its proven track record, it is clear that more states should be offering programs similar to Fair Futures but may not be capable of doing so.

Education boards should discuss issues plaguing their local communities, tally up the complaints, and range them from most important to less important. Then, they can figure out how to plan different fundraisers throughout the year and see what grants their districts may qualify for. They can also reach out to parents in their local communities to help send ideas of what the school board should focus on completing.

Student Hires Programs

At Student Hires, we believe that students need more than just classroom learning to prepare them for the real world. That's why we offer hands-on experiential programs that help young people gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school and beyond. Our programs are led by friendly and knowledgeable college students who deeply understand what it takes to enter the workforce. 

Whether helping kids develop their critical thinking skills or teaching them about important career options, our team is dedicated to creating engaging learning experiences that empower disadvantaged youth in our community. So if you're looking for a way to give back this summer, why not join Student Hires and help make a difference?

Conclusion

It is heartening to see NYC giving back to its foster care students in a tangible way. Hopefully, more opportunities will arise for the foster youth in the city. The city's investment in these young people is an investment in the city's future. We can only hope that other cities will follow suit and allow these students to pursue their dreams.