Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program

The Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program provides a waiver for tuition and mandatory fees charged by most postsecondary institutions located in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for youth who are or were in foster care. This waiver applies only to charges that remain after all other gift aid (federal, state, and other scholarships or grants) have been applied to the student’s account. 

To be considered for a Fostering Independence Tuition Education Waiver, you must:

– Be a Pennsylvania resident 
– Be under the age of 26
– Have received a high school diploma or equivalent approved credential
– Be eligible for services under Pennsylvania’s John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood
– Be identified as a youth in foster care or a youth discharged or adopted from foster care at age 16
– Exited foster care on or after age 16 to adoption or permanent legal custodianship
– Be enrolled as an undergraduate, at least part time in a postsecondary institution that is approved by the U.S. Department of Education for Title IV student assistance programs
– Demonstrate financial need for the PA Chafee Education and Training Grant (PHEAA approves and then the Financial Aid Office reviews)
– Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as determined by the Office of Student Financial Services
– Not be in default on a federal student loan
– File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 
– All eligible students will be reviewed once PHEAA notifies the Financial Aid Office of all PA Chafee Education and Training Grant recipients. 

Point of Contact and Referrals

Valerie Harding, State Grant & Special Programs Specialist completes Fostering Independence waivers and assist students in navigating that process. Email | Phone: 610-359-5352

Kathy Austin, Assistant Director of Admissions and Enrollment Services can help your students with any admissions paperwork and assist them by directing them to any other departments they may need to contact. Email

The Department of Career and Counseling will be able to help and advise your students regarding their enrollment and what classes they need to take to complete their degree. The College offers students a variety of career paths whether their intent is to eventually obtain a bachelors degree after completing their classes at the College or training that will allow them to obtain skills in nursing, medicine, welding, or auto mechanics to name a few. Their office number is 610-359-5324.

The Student Resource Center can provide students with several services. They are located in Room 1301 of the Academic Building on campus and the number for the administrative assistant of the program is 610-359-7354. Services offered:

Student Outreach and Support (S.O.S) Zone
Students can access the pantry that includes food, toiletries, school supplies and gently worn professional attire.

Academic Success
Students can apply to participate in the textbook loan program to reduce textbook costs and the technological support program to receive a free access code for class and/or a computer.

Avenue C Bucks
Program assists students with immediate food needs.

SEPTA Key Cards or Uber Ride
Program assists students with immediate transportation needs.

Referral Program
Students will be referred and connected with additional resources and services in other departments to help them with personal, mental health, financial, emergency, and other needs not available within the Student Resource Center. These additional resources and services offered by other departments includes KEYS, Family Advocacy Clinic, Expungement Clinic, Outside Therapy Fund and Dream Keepers.

College Success Initiative
Students receive academic advising, advocacy and recognition along with opportunities to participate in mentoring program, interactive workshops, empowerment events and co-curricular programs offered by the department.