Bill > S0824

This bill, known as the "South Carolina Fostering Futures Act," mandates that all state-supported colleges and universities in South Carolina must waive tuition and fees for certain current and former foster youth pursuing an undergraduate certificate, diploma, or first bachelor's degree. Eligibility is defined for individuals up to age twenty-five who were in the legal custody of the Department of Social Services (DSS) when they turned eighteen and aged out of foster care, are currently in extended foster care, were adopted from foster care at age thirteen or older, or spent at least three cumulative years in DSS foster care. This waiver can continue until the student completes their first bachelor's degree or turns twenty-six, whichever comes first, and remains valid even if the student transfers between public institutions. The waiver specifically covers tuition and fees for regular terms, summer, winter, and institutionally sponsored study abroad programs, but not room, board, books, or non-mandatory fees. Institutions can request verification of eligibility only once per student. Furthermore, eligible students will receive priority for on-campus housing, federal work-study positions, and campus employment programs. Each institution must also assign a staff member to act as a liaison, providing guidance on college processes, financial aid, and career planning, with their contact information publicly available. Institutions are required to report annually to DSS on the number of eligible students, their academic programs, and their academic progress, and an external evaluator will assess the waiver's effectiveness. Finally, these students will be considered financially independent for federal and state financial aid purposes, meaning they won't need to provide parental financial information.

Education

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=0824&session=126&summary=B