Protecting the Futures of Foster Youth
We're a youth-led advocacy group supporting former foster youth ages 18-28. Our mission is simple: amplify their voices, share their experiences, and create opportunities for a brighter future.
Join us by signing our HB 497 Education and Benefits Petition and sharing your experiences in the HB 497 Impact Survey.
Why This Matters
Foster youth already face significant barriers to higher education. Research shows that former foster youth enroll in college at lower rates than their peers, and only 8-12% earn a postsecondary degree by their mid-to-late 20s, far below the general population.
House Bill 497 modifies tuition waiver credit hours and restructures how financial aid is applied, making it the first source of funding before waiver benefits are used. For some students, this may reduce or eliminate refund balances that previously helped cover essential living expenses such as housing, transportation, food, and textbooks while enrolled in school.
When completion rates are already this low, changes that affect both tuition support and day-to-day stability can have significant consequences for transitioning youth.
Our Response
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Launching the HB 497 Education and Benefits Petition.
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Collection responses through the HB 497 Impact Survey.
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Presenting collected data to the Kentucky Legislature and Governor's Office.