Foster Youth Postsecondary Education Access and Success Act
Sponsored By: Representative Chu, Judy [D-CA-28]
In Committee
Summary
Expands the Education and Training Voucher program for foster youth. This bill would raise the amount each eligible youth can receive and make the program easier to find and use.
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- Foster youth would get bigger vouchers and more flexibility. The per-youth voucher cap would increase from $5,000 to $12,000 and the bill adds a grace period that lets a youth continue participation in education or training after an assessment when reasonable circumstances exist.
- States and local programs would have to boost outreach. States must make reasonable efforts to ensure eligible youth know about benefits and can use allotment funds for outreach and related activities, with flexibility for jurisdictions with smaller allotments.
- Applications and guidance would be simplified and centralized. The bill requires a user-tested, standard electronic application form and directs the Department of Health and Human Services to develop model guidance in consultation with youth who experienced foster care, with changes taking effect one year after enactment.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Higher education vouchers for foster youth
If enacted, the bill would raise the Education and Training Voucher maximum from $5,000 to $12,000 per eligible foster youth. That is up to $7,000 more per youth each year, subject to program rules. Eligible foster youth could get larger awards to help pay for college or training.
Easier education vouchers for foster youth
If enacted, the bill would make it easier for eligible foster youth to use education vouchers. States could grant a short grace period to keep youth in school after an assessment and consultation. The Health and Human Services Secretary would issue model guidance developed with foster youth. States must try to let eligible youth know about vouchers, use a simple user-tested online application form, and can use allotment funds for outreach and related program support.
One-year delay before changes start
If enacted, the bill's amendments would not take effect until one year after the date of enactment. States and eligible foster youth would need to wait one year before higher voucher amounts, grace periods, and outreach changes apply. Stakeholders should plan for a one-year delay.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Chu, Judy [D-CA-28]
CA • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Moran, Nathaniel [R-TX-1]
TX • R
Sponsored 2/10/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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