Missouri Grants for Foster Kids

• Missouri children who are transitioning out of foster care often need financial assistance to go to school. A number of grant opportunities are available to help pay for school expenses. These are offered through private organizations, colleges and the Missouri state government. Students must meet certain guidelines in order to be eligible and need to be aware of each grant's deadlines to apply.

Missouri ETV Program

• The Missouri Education and Training Voucher Program provides up to $5,000 (as of October 2010) in grant funding for students who have been in foster care. Those eligible must have less than $10,000 in personal assets, be enrolled in an accredited school program and have United States citizenship. The individual must be 18 to 20 years old to initially apply, then can reapply for the grant up to 23 years old. To apply, the applicant will need an email address and must complete the application on the website. Financial aid forms have to be turned in to the college's financial aid office. See Resources for appropriate links.

Stewardship Foundation

• The Stewardship Foundation provides grant funding to attend post secondary education. Those eligible are 17 to 23 years old, unmarried, have no children and are enrolled in an accredited program. The individual must have been living in foster care or left foster care after reaching the age limit. When applying, the individual must submit an application, school transcripts and a Student Aid Report. The student must also apply for financial aid at the college and do an interview given by the foundation's Board of Trustees. The award is given based on financial need, volunteer service, recommendations and school performance. The deadline is established on an annual basis. See Resources for a link.

University of Phoenix First Chance Scholarship Program

• The University of Phoenix offers funding through the First Chance Scholarship Program. Working with the Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association, or MFCAA, the University offers a set number of scholarships to foster children each year. The applicant must be a United States citizen, not receiving full tuition assistance from another source and not currently enrolled with University of Phoenix. Student must submit an application, two letters of recommendation and an essay entitled, "Furthering My Education." The funding is awarded based on the application and the quality of the submitted essay. The deadline and the number of scholarships available are determined annually. See Resources for appropriate links.