Aging out of foster care? JCCC is here to help!
JCCC is committed to helping former foster students like you reach your educational goals. With a supportive community and wide variety of student resources, we’re confident you’ll succeed as a Cavalier!
Discover the resources JCCC and the State of Kansas provide for former foster students. Learn what financial aid support is available, see enrollment steps and find out how to thrive personally and academically as a JCCC Cavalier.
If you are a student aging out of foster care, you may be eligible for financial support through these programs.
FAFSA
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is crucial to accessing federal aid for college expenses. Get started by connecting with the JCCC Financial Aid office at (913) 469-3840, or by email at finaid@jccc.edu for one-on-one assistance with completing the FAFSA.
If you experienced foster care at age 13 or older, you may qualify for independent student status when applying for the Federal Pell Grant and/or loans. Make sure to discuss your situation with the Financial Aid office at JCCC so you can start the process for independent status.
Foster Adopt Connect
Foster Adopt Connect’s Community Connections YouThrive (CCYT) helps current and former foster youth, ages 17-24 (26 in Missouri), navigate the challenges of approaching adulthood without a solid support system. Additionally, you can find assistance with housing, employment, healthcare, and other services. Contact your case manager for a referral.
Kansas Independent Living Program
The Kansas Independent Living Program (ILP) provides support and services for youth aging out of foster care and making the transition to independent living. For more information about these programs, please contact your ILP Specialist with the Independent Living Program. If you are not a participant in the ILP, check the Self-Sufficiency resource (PDF) for contact information.
Scholarships
Outside scholarships are available specifically for youth aging out of foster care to support your college aspirations. Visit with your case manager or specialist to explore what may be available.
In addition, JCCC offers several scholarships that you may qualify for, including:
- CAV Guarantee: JCCC guarantees scholarships to Johnson County high school and home-schooled students who graduate with a 3.25 unweighted GPA.
- The Don and Glenetta Schierding Scholarship: Supports JCCC students who were in the Foster Care System. Minimum GPA of 2.5 and 12 or more hours of enrollment required.
- JCCC STEM Scholars: Up to 12 scholarships a semester are awarded to eligible incoming or current JCCC students who plan to study in a STEM field.
- Kansas Promise: Kansas Promise is a “last dollar” scholarship that can be used to pay for your tuition, books and other Promise-eligible course-related materials not covered by other scholarships or grants. In exchange, you agree to live and work in Kansas for two years after completing your program of study.
Remember to fill out the JCCC Scholarship Application each year for scholarship eligibility.
Tuition Waiver
The State of Kansas offers a tuition waiver (PDF) program for students who have been in foster care. This program, often called the Kansas Foster Child Education Assistance Program, provides tuition and fee waivers for eligible individuals.
Become a JCCC Cavalier in just a few steps! Visit JCCC’s Steps to Enroll to get started.
JCCC also provides developmental coursework to help you become academically prepared for college coursework. With English for Academic Purposes (EAP), Math, Reading, and other courses designed to help you meet the demands of college, you will find the support you need at JCCC!
If you have questions about these courses, contact JCCC’s Counseling Department.
As a Cavalier, you have access to JCCC’s student resources for personal and academic support, including:
- The Academic Resource Center offers free, unlimited tutoring for any credit class, online or in-person.
- Access Services provides accommodations for students with disabilities at JCCC. Make an appointment to set up these supports.
- The Center for Student Involvement is here to help you get connected on campus. Join a club or organization, meet friends at one of our on-campus events and find your JCCC community!
- Counseling is available for academic, career, and personal issues. Accessed via a counseling referral, the Student Assistance Program can help.
- JCCC’s Student Basic Needs Center supplies food, resources for transportation, technology assistance, and student assistance grants if you are in need. In addition, the Student Assistance Fund can be used for unexpected hardships under $500.