Bill > SB85

This bill establishes the Georgia Foster Care Scholarship Act, creating a grant program to provide financial assistance for undergraduate postsecondary education to eligible former foster youth. Eligible students must be under 26 years old and meet specific criteria, such as being currently or previously in the custody of the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, participating in an independent living program, or having been adopted after age 14. The scholarship will cover tuition, room, board, meal plan, and books, with a maximum annual award of $30,000, and will be available until the student either earns a bachelor's degree, attempts 127 semester hours, or receives the scholarship for ten years. The Georgia Student Finance Authority will administer the program, potentially contracting with a nonprofit grant coordinating organization, and will establish eligibility criteria and application processes. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), maintain good academic standing, and comply with program regulations. The bill includes provisions for compliance examinations of postsecondary institutions and criminal penalties for making false statements during the application process. Importantly, the program's implementation is contingent on specific appropriations being made to fund the scholarship program.

Education

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69827