All Foster Kids in California Can Now Attend Any State College for Free
https://themessenger.com/news/all-foster-kids-in-california-can-now-attend-any-state-college-for-free
Children and teens in foster care across California will be able to attend state and community colleges free of charge under legislation signed into law this week.
Through the new Fostering Futures program, the state will allocate $25 million to cover tuition for foster youth attending a California State University, University of California or a community college, according to state Sen. Angelique Ashby's office. The funding also covers the cost of housing, books and food.
While 64% of foster youth graduate high school in California, only 4% currently obtain a four-year college degree, according to the bill's sponsor, state senator Ashby.
The bill became law as part of a budget agreement signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday. There are approximately 60,000 children in the state's foster care system and 96% want to receive higher education.