Embrace Alabama Kids is here to provide financial stability and support to young adults transitioning into higher education through Support for Success (S4S). The S4S program offers qualifying former and current foster youths the opportunity to apply for ETV funds and Fostering Hope scholarships to assist them in attending a trade school, community college or university.

Education and Training Voucher (ETV)

Alabama's Education and Training Voucher is a federally-funded program designed to help eligible youth who turn 18 while in the foster care system though any state.

The program is also extended to those who are part of the state's kinship-guardianship program or who are adopted from foster care after age 16.

This program provides up to $5,000 per year for qualified school-related expenses on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible students in postsecondary degree programs.

ETV Requirements

• In Foster Care status on 18th birthday OR Kinship-guardianship/adoption after age of 16
• Youth eligibility is verified by AL State DHR
• Must be younger than 26 at the start of the semester / term
• Making adequate academic progress as determined by the institution (for ongoing award)
• Students must complete FAFSA to be eligible for ETV, but they do NOT have to receive Pell Grant to be eligible for ETV.
• Must re-apply annually

Fostering Hope Scholarship

Alabama's Fostering Hope Scholarship is a state-funded investment in the postsecondary education and training goals of qualified youth who were in the foster care system when they earned a high school diploma or General Educator Development (GED) certificate.

The scholarship is also extended to those who are part of the state's kinship-guardianship program or who are adopted from foster care in Alabama after age 14.

This program covers tuition fees, set by the school, for eligible students enrolled in postsecondary certificate or degree programs.

Fostering Hope Requirements

• In Foster Care status on date of HS graduation / GED completion OR Kinship-guardianship/adoption after age of 14
• Youth eligibility is verified by AL State DHR
• Must be younger than 26 at the start of the semester / term
• Making adequate academic progress
• Has completed the FAFSA
• 50 volunteer hours per semester or works 5 hours per week (for ongoing award)

If you have any questions, please email us at s4s@embracealkids.org. This email is monitored daily, and we will respond within 24 hours. For immediate assistance, call (334) 387-2168.

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