Bipartisan Foster-to-College Scholarship Act Reintroduced to Support Ohio's Foster Youth

COLUMBUS — Assistant Minority Leader Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) and State Rep. Sharon A. Ray (R-Wadsworth) have reintroduced the bipartisan Foster-to-College Scholarship Act in the Ohio House of Representatives. With 43 bipartisan co-sponsors, this legislation reflects a unified commitment to providing Ohio’s foster youth the resources they need to pursue higher education and achieve their full potential.

The bill has been referred to the House Workforce & Higher Education Committee for further consideration. The Foster-to-College Scholarship Act proposes creating a scholarship program to cover the cost of attendance for any Ohioan who was in foster care after their 13th birthday. It would provide funding for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses not covered by existing federal or state financial aid, helping to eliminate financial barriers that often deter foster youth from pursuing higher education.

“Ohio’s foster youth deserve the opportunity to build bright futures, and this legislation is a critical step in providing that support,” said Rep. Jarrells. “This bill sends a clear message: your past does not define your future. By empowering our foster youth, we are investing in their success and the future of Ohio.”

Ohio ranks in the bottom 10% nationally for foster youth outcomes in areas such as high school graduation, employment, and post-secondary enrollment. The Foster-to-College Scholarship Act seeks to reverse these trends by ensuring equitable access to education for the state’s most vulnerable young people. Evidence from similar programs in states like Texas demonstrates that foster youth receiving scholarships are 3.5 times more likely to complete their degrees.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Full scholarships covering tuition and fees for eligible foster youth at public and participating private colleges, universities, and trade programs.
• Hiring foster care student navigators to assist foster youth in applying for scholarships and navigating higher education.
• Improved collaboration between foster care agencies and educational institutions to ensure seamless transitions for students.The legislation represents a substantial investment in Ohio’s future, with $7.5M allocated annually to fund the program.

For more information on the Foster-to-College Scholarship Act, please contact Rep. Jarrells’ office at (614) 466-5343 or email Rep01@ohiohouse.gov.