Foster Child Grant

*The following is a brief description for students. Institutions should refer to the most recent guidelines for information.

The Foster Child Grant Program was funded by the Massachusetts Legislature in 2001. It provides grants of up to $6000 annually for foster children to help pay for an education beyond high school at any college or university throughout the continental United States. The grant recipient must have signed an agreement with the Department of Children and Families for care and services beyond age 18.

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible for a Foster Child Grant a student must:

1 See www.mass.edu/tuitionequity for more details.

2 Pursuant to Section 9 of Chapter 15A, as amended by Section 11 of Chapter 28 of the Acts of 2023.

Eligible Institutions

An eligible institution shall mean a public, private, independent, for-profit or non-profit institution in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the continental United States authorized to offer undergraduate degrees or certificate programs. The institution must be accredited and eligible to participate in the federal Title IV programs.

Award Amounts

The Foster Child Grant is a maximum of $6000 per academic year. It is awarded to eligible students enrolled in public, private for-profit or private non-profit institutions for not more than five consecutive years.

How to Apply

To apply for the Foster Child Grant, contact the DHE’s Office of Student Financial Assistance at (617) 391-6070 or your social worker in the Department of Children and Families.

.pdf Massachusetts Foster Child Grant Program Procedures and Guidelines