Reps. Jarrells, Seitz's Foster-to-College Scholarship Act Passes House Finance Committee

COLUMBUS – Assistant Minority Leader Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) and Majority Floor Leader Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati) today announced the House Finance Committee’s favorable passage of the bipartisan Foster-to-College Scholarship Act (HB 164). If enacted, this bipartisan legislation would provide college scholarships to any Ohioan who was in foster care after their 13th birthday.

“The advancement of this bill out of committee today marks a crucial stride forward in our commitment to bolstering support for Ohio’s foster youth,” said Rep. Jarrells. “It is my hope that this bill will inspire our young people to believe in their limitless potential.”

According to national data, Ohio is in the bottom 10% of states in the nation for foster children when it comes to the following: the likelihood of graduating from high school or getting a GED, likelihood of obtaining employment, likelihood of being enrolled in school, and likelihood of being incarcerated or having a criminal record.

In addition, 35 other states, including Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama, currently offer scholarships to students who’ve gone through foster care. A study of Texas’ scholarship program showed that their foster students in the program were 3.5 times as likely to complete their degree as peer students. Research also shows that students who know they can pay for college are more likely to aspire to attend – and aspiring to attend college makes students more likely to keep their grades up and stay in school.

“While these statistics underscore the urgency of this bill, what really inspired my colleagues, and I were the testimonies from the kids themselves” continued Rep. Jarrells. “As state leaders, it is incumbent upon us to create a system that supports our citizens from all walks of life; to show our future generations that your past does not determine your future. You do.”

HB 164 now heads to the House floor for a vote.