Higher Education Coordinating Board

Passport

Passport for Foster Youth Promise Program

Created by the state of Washington, the Passport to College Promise Scholarship program encourages foster youth to prepare for and succeed in college.

Am I eligible?

You are eligible for this program if:

You spent at least one year in foster care after
your sixteenth birthday.
You emancipated from foster care on or after
January 1, 2007.
You will be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible college by the time you turn 21.
You are a Washington resident.
You are not pursuing a degree in theology.
You have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree.

When you enroll in college, the financial aid office will confirm your eligibility with the Higher Education Coordinating Board.

How can the Passport for Foster Youth Promise program help me?

You may receive the following:

Scholarships and other forms of financial aid that will help pay your tuition and living expenses for up to five years of college.
Guidance from college academic and financial aid counselors.
Assistance finding housing during school breaks and over the summer.
Special consideration for the State Need Grant and State Work Study financial aid programs.
Help finding student employment.

How do I get started?

Step One: Click here to download the Passport Consent Form

Step Two: Complete the consent form and mail, fax,
or E-mail it to:

Higher Education Coordinating Board

Passport for Foster Youth Promise Program

PO Box 43430

Olympia, WA 98504-3430

Fax: 360-704-6246

E-mail: passporttocollege@hecb.wa.gov

Step Three: Get ready for college. Take the right classes in high school and develop an educational plan for your college career -

Check this list to see colleges you can attend with your Passport

Step Four: Be sure to identify yourself as a Passport student when you apply for admission or register for college classes. Some colleges have staff dedicated to working with former foster youth - Click here to search the Contact Directory.

Click here to view our brochure online

Who do I contact if I have questions?

E-mail: passporttocollege@hecb.wa.gov or

Phone: 1-888-535-0747

Other college and career resources for foster youth:

There are many programs that were created to help foster youth transition into college life and adulthood. The following links will take you to Web sites with information about other opportunities: