The Arizona State Foster Care Program offers vital support to young individuals, and a key component of this is the Arizona Foster Youth Award, specifically designed for students attending Arizona State University (ASU). This award aims to make higher education accessible by helping to cover tuition and mandatory fees for eligible foster youth. However, it’s important to understand how this award works in conjunction with other financial aid options.
To be eligible for the Arizona Foster Youth Award, students must be officially enrolled in classes at ASU. This award is structured as a supplemental resource, meaning it is applied after all other forms of financial assistance have been considered. This includes federal, public, and institutional grants and scholarships such as the Federal Pell Grant, the ASU College Attainment Grant, and the Obama Scholarship. It’s crucial to note that if a student’s tuition and mandatory fees are already fully covered by these other awards, the Arizona Foster Youth Award will not be additionally applied to their account. Essentially, it acts as a safety net to bridge any remaining financial gaps for tuition and fees after other aid is exhausted.
An important exception to this rule is the Arizona Education and Training Voucher (ETV). While eligible students are encouraged to apply for the ETV program, this specific federal grant is not counted towards tuition and fees before the Arizona Foster Youth Award is applied. This means that receiving an ETV can be considered in addition to the Foster Youth Award, potentially providing more comprehensive financial support. However, it’s also important to be aware that ETV funding is limited, and not all eligible students will receive it.
The disbursement of the Arizona Foster Youth Award typically occurs a few days prior to the start of classes. This disbursement is contingent upon the student’s lawful presence being verified and their confirmed enrollment in classes. This timeline ensures that the funds are available when students need them most as they begin their academic journey at ASU.
It’s also important for students to understand the limitations when receiving multiple awards that cover tuition and fees. ASU, like most institutions, has a policy that students cannot receive financial aid exceeding 100% of their tuition costs. Therefore, if a student is offered multiple awards, the total amount will be capped at the full cost of tuition and mandatory fees. To get a clearer picture of potential costs, ASU provides a helpful Tuition Estimator on their website.
Finally, while the Arizona Foster Youth Award and programs like the ETV offer significant financial assistance, it’s essential to acknowledge that every student’s financial circumstances are unique. Even with these awards, some students may still face remaining costs. In such cases, students might need to consider student loans to cover these expenses. ASU strongly advises students to borrow responsibly and be mindful that loans must be repaid with interest. Understanding the Arizona Foster Youth Award within the broader context of the Arizona State Foster Care Program and ASU’s financial aid system is a crucial step for foster youth aspiring to pursue higher education.
