Foster youth have hopes and dreams of a successful future just like other young people who have graduated or obtained their GED. The only difference is that many foster youth don’t have a family to fall back on for assistance. The State of Oregon and the federal government are helping support foster youth who wish to continue their education and training after high school. The Department of Human Services (DHS) Independent Living Program (ILP) has received Chafee Education and Training Voucher (ETV) funding to help current or former foster care youth with postsecondary education and training. Youth may be eligible to receive up to $5,000 per academic year. To be eligible, you must: 1. Currently be in foster care, or have been in foster care for at least 180 days (six months) after your 14th birthday* 2. Apply for ETV funds prior to age 21**, by applying for the Chafee Education and Training Scholarship administered by OSAC. (See instructions below) *Foster care placement must have been with either Oregon’s DHS child welfare (formerly SCF), or one of the nine federally recognized Tribes in Oregon. **If a youth is participating in the ETV program at age 21, he or she may continue to receive assistance up to age 23. Application procedures for applicants not applying during the OSAC Scholarship Season for the 2006-2007 Academic Year (To apply for the 2007 - 2008 academic year, beginning fall 2007, use the OSAC 2007 - 2008 eApp at www.getcollegefunds.org and submit your application by March 1, 2007.) This is for students who cannot fit the normal scholarship season timeframe with its March 1 application deadline and September academic year calendar. Step 1: Determine the appropriate application period for your school attendance and note its associated deadline. (See the schedule below.) Step 2: Make sure the deadline has not passed for the academic period that you wish to apply for. Applications received after the posted deadline will not be accepted. Step 3: Download and complete the PDF version of the application and a copy of the necessary codes list. Step 4: Create your activities chart, essay 1, essay 2, and fill out the Chafee Supplemental Information Form. The templates are located below. Step 5: Attach your transcripts, activities chart, essays, and supplemental information form to the paper application and mail it to the Independent Living Program before the deadline. Step 6: Award notices will be sent to the selected recipients. When you receive the award notice, read it carefully and follow the directions on the reverse side of the notice. You will be asked to provide a copy of your financial aid award letter from your institution.

A single application to qualify for more than 3,400 scholarships for Oregon residents.

Portland State University offers scholarship awards ranging from $3,000 to $4,500. These scholarships are competitive and awarded to new international students who have achieved high academic standing. Awards are given to beginning university students pursuing a baccalaureate degree. Additional awards are available for students who wish to pursue a master's or doctoral degree. Eligibility Students must be admitted to Portland State. Official transcripts must be received by Portland State no later than March 15, 2007. Minimum grade point average (GPA): 3.5 out of possible 4.0 on Portland State's grading scale. Students who have not met the TOEFL/English Language Proficiency requirement are eligible for these scholarships; however, activation of the scholarship will be delayed until after the ESL restriction has been lifted and the students are fully eligible for unrestricted enrollment in Portland State degree programs. Application Download and print the application. Deadline: April 1, 2007