Passport for Foster Youth Promise Program

The Passport to College Promise Scholarship program was created to help students from foster care prepare for and succeed in college.  In the 2010-11 academic year, the program served approximately 375 students with a maximum annual award of $3,000. 

Through Passport, students receive a scholarship that assists with the cost of attending college (tuition, fees, books, housing, transportation, and some personal expenses), specialized support services from college staff, and priority consideration for the State Need Grant and State Work Study programs.  You can learn more about the program by reading the Passport brochure.

Passport students may also opt-in for personalized help and support services from the College Success Foundation.

To meet eligibility requirements, Passport students must:

  • Spend at least one year in foster care in Washington state after their 16th birthday
  • Emancipate from care on or after January 1, 2007
  • Enroll at least half-time in an eligible college by their 22nd birthday
  • Maintain Washington residency
  • Not pursue a degree in theology
  • Be working toward earning their first bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree or certificate.

If approved for Passport, students must notify the financial aid office at their college of their eligibility.  They may also contact the Designated Support Staff person at their college to begin receiving help to navigate through college. 

To apply, complete the PASSPORT CONSENT FORM

Send it to us at:
Higher Education Coordinating Board
Passport for Foster Youth Promise Program
PO Box 43430
Olympia, WA  98504-3430
Fax:  360-704-6246
 

Other opportunities for students from foster care:

 

In the News
Promise Scholarship students tell their stories


For more information

Email: passporttocollege@hecb.wa.gov
Phone: 1-888-535-0747 (press option 5)