HR 7463: Foster Youth Postsecondary Education Access and Success Act

 Ohio foster care youth and alumni have been reaching out to federal legislators to share recommendations regarding ETV, including:

Allowing states to award up to $12,000 per year to youth, to respond to the rising costs of attendance, including housing/food. 

The federal bipartisan Foster Youth Postsecondary Education Access and Success Act would increase the maximum allowable value of an ETV voucher from $5,000 to $12,000 per year.

It would also require states to make reasonable efforts to make sure eligible youth are aware of ETV, and allow states to establish a grace period to give students time to get back on track rather than losing their ETV.

HR 7343: Foster Youth Workforce Opportunity Act

 

OHIO YAB Youth Ambassadors reached out to Congressman Miller’s Office regarding Chafee in January, and ACTION Ohio provided a quote for the introduction of the federal Foster Youth Workforce Opportunity Act: 

“ETV can currently be used for some vocational schools if the school is listed on the FAFSA. But that leaves many trade schools and short-term certificates ineligible. Extending ETV to connect former foster youth with apprenticeships and vocational training programs will set them up for success by linking them with needed educational support.” 

Here’s a link to the full text of this bill.  

 

Overcoming Driving Barriers

 

Ohio recently lost its TANF-Independent Living allocation.  This happened at the same time that driving requirements were increased. 

We’ve been researching how other states support foster youth, when it comes to driver’s education, driver’s licenses and car insurance.

In the meantime, the federal Foster Youth and Driving Act would create state and tribal programs providing up to $4,000 per year per youth for driver’s education, training, insurance, licensing fees, and related costs. 

But this federal bill has not yet been reintroduced in 2026. OHIO YAB Youth Ambassadors have been participating in virtual meetings to seek to raise interest in making that happen.

Modernizing Chafee

In 1999, our nation's Chafee funds were relied upon to provide independent living preparation for foster youth between ages 16-18.

In 2026, our nation's Chafee funds are relied upon to serve foster youth between ages 14-23, including ETV vouchers until age 26. 

College costs, housing costs and grocery costs have risen. The math doesn't math anymore. 

And as our nation considers modernizing Chafee, this must also come with increased accountability for states to demonstrate a sense of urgency to let foster care youth and alumni know this provision exists and to dedicate every penny of this funding to help improve outcomes for our brothers and sisters of the foster care system.

Virtual Meeting with Senator Koehler

On Friday. Feb. 13, 2026, a virtual meeting was held with Senator Kyle Koehler's office to discuss:

• Tuition Waivers
• Driving Barriers

Link to slide deck.

The call included Marisa's powerful testimony. 

ACTION Ohio quoted in a press release from Representative Miller's Office

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Max Miller (OH-07) introduced H.R.7343, the Foster Youth Workforce Opportunity Act, to expand use of education and training vouchers (ETVs) to allow foster youth to access short-term workforce and vocational training programs, apprenticeships, and remedial education. Currently, vouchers do not grant recipients access to all the career pathways they need to be successful in the modern economy. The bill provides flexibility for youth to pursue alternative career pathways to obtain certifications needed for in-demand jobs. 

“Too many foster youths face unnecessary barriers when trying to pursue workforce training,” said Congressman Miller. “I’m proud to lead legislation to expand opportunities that prepare our young people for the jobs of today’s economy.”  

“I’m proud to serve as the Democratic co-lead on the Foster Youth Workforce Opportunity Act, said Congressman Dwight Evans. "This bill would help more foster youth to access education and training to help them succeed.” 

“ETV can currently be used for some vocational schools if the school is listed on the FAFSA. But that leaves many trade schools and short-term certificates ineligible. This can be a barrier to connecting former foster youth with necessary workforce skills,” said Lisa Dickson, Communications Chair, ACTION Ohio. “Extending ETV to connect former foster youth with apprenticeships and vocational training programs will set them up for success by linking them with needed educational support.” 

Bill text can be found here. 

Karimah's Testimony on the Fostering School Success Act

On Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, foster care alumna Karimah Addison Jones was able to submit testimony regarding House Bill 25, which has been renamed the "Fostering School Success Act."