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Reps. Jarrells, Ray Testify Before Workforce and Higher Education on Bipartisan Foster-to-College Scholarship Act

May 5, 2025
Dontavius L. Jarrells News

COLUMBUS — Assistant Minority Leader Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) and State Rep. Sharon A. Ray (R-Wadsworth) last Tuesday delivered sponsor testimony before the Ohio House Workforce and Higher Education Committee on House Bill (HB) 25, the Foster-to-College Scholarship Act. The bipartisan bill would create a scholarship program to cover the cost of attendance for any Ohioan who was in foster care after their 13th birthday. 

The Foster-to-College Scholarship Act uplifts Ohio’s foster youth and their ability to reach their full potential by providing funding for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses not covered through existing federal or state financial aid.

“HB 25 fills the financial gap after all other grants and scholarships are applied, ensuring that the doors to opportunity stay open. When you grow up in foster care, stability isn’t promised. Belonging isn’t guaranteed. College can feel like an impossible dream. And too often, once they age out, these young people are met not with opportunity, but with silence. But it does not have to be that way, ” said Rep. Jarrells.

The bill also invests in community colleges, apprenticeships, credentialing programs, and funds the addition of full-time foster care navigators and a full-time liaison in the Department of Education and Workforce to help foster youth stay connected during their K-12 education. HB 25 has garnered support from foster youth and education advocates across the state and exemplifies the need to show our youth in foster care that we care about them and their future.

The House Workforce and Higher Education Committee will be hearing proponent testimony for HB 25 on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 3:15 p.m. The hearing will be held in the Ohio Statehouse, Room 115, and can also be viewed on the Ohio Channel here. 

EDITOR’S NOTE: A picture of Rep. Jarrells giving sponsor testimony is attached to this press release. Courtesy: Ohio House Democrats.