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FOR FORMER FOSTER YOUTH, AGE 26 AND OLDER

Find resources that do not end at 26.

Enter your ZIP code to find verified help for former foster youth age 26 and older. Your ZIP is used only for this search and is not tied to your identity.

Built for former foster youth

The results include only programs verified to serve people age 26 or older. They do not include helper opportunities or youth-only benefits that have already ended.

OPEN TO YOU ANYWHERE IN THE U.S.

Programs, jobs and housing for former foster youth 26+

Every listing here is verified to be open at 26 and older and works anywhere in the U.S. Enter your ZIP above to add local and statewide help.

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NOT FOSTER-SPECIFIC — STILL OPEN TO YOU

More housing, jobs and support you can qualify for

These programs are not just for foster youth — they are for anyone with a low income or a need, which means they do not end at 26. Each one was checked against its official page.

Showing California programs first, then nationwide ones.

Browse programs state by state

    New California law: housing help extended to age 28

    On September 27, 2026, the Governor signed Assembly Bill 2162, which extends California's Housing Navigation and Maintenance Program from age 24 up to age 28, with priority for former foster youth. The bill was authored by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan. If you are in California and under 28, ask your county child welfare agency about housing navigation help — this law makes you eligible even after 26.

    READ THE SIGNED BILL ON THE OFFICIAL CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE SITE

    NO AGE LIMIT

    Scholarships still open to you after 25

    Most foster-youth scholarships stop in your mid-twenties. These 21 do not — each one is open to former foster youth age 26 and older. Many others on our scholarships page list no age limit at all — look for the No age limit listed mark, or use the “Age 26+” checkbox there, and always confirm each sponsor's rules.

    • DCFS Scholarship Program and Tuition and Fee Waiver

      Tuition and fee waiver plus a $1,577 monthly stipend · Illinois

    • Helen M. McLoraine Foster Care and Emancipated Youth Scholarship

      $1,000 to $10,000 · Colorado

    • Brighter Star Education and Training Voucher

      Up to $5,000 per year · Wisconsin

    • Nevada Foster Youth Fee Waiver

      Registration fees and certain lab fees waived · Nevada

    • Fostering Independence Through Education Tuition Waiver

      Tuition, fees, and room and board where offered · Delaware

    • FAITH Scholarship

      Up to full cost of attendance · Mississippi

    • Need to $ucceed Scholarship

      Up to $3,000, paid in two installments · Contra Costa County, California

    • Jacobs Scholars Program

      Full tuition, fees, housing and meals for up to four years · South Carolina

    • Whitlock Law Hope and Opportunity Scholarship

      $1,500 · Nationwide

    • Juanita & Harold Ailey Foundation Scholarship

      Amount varies · Oklahoma

    • Orangewood Foundation Advanced Studies Fund

      Up to $10,000 · ages 18 through 38 · Orange County, California

    • Orangewood Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship

      Up to $5,900 per year · ages 18 up to 30 · Orange County, California

    • State College Tuition and Fee Waiver for Foster Youth

      Full tuition and fee exemption · enroll before your 27th birthday · Texas

    • Fostering Futures Scholarship

      Amount varies · no maximum age · Michigan

    • Blavin Scholars Program Scholarship

      Up to $5,000 per academic year · not restricted by age · Michigan (University of Michigan)

    • FosterEd

      Remaining cost of attendance after other aid · no age limit · Colorado

    • Gilbert Scholarship

      Amount varies · no age cap · North Carolina

    • Mark and Diane Sheffield Guardian Scholars Award

      Amount varies · any age (UC Davis) · California

    • David P. and Margot Shinnamon Bach Scholarship

      $2,000 · no age limit (Sacramento State) · California

    • Retired Magistrate Ann Sparrough Scholarship Fund

      Amount varies · awarded without regard to age · Prince George's County, Maryland

    • Boys Town National Alumni Association Scholarship Fund

      Amount varies · open to alumni of any age · Boys Town alumni

    SEE ALL FOSTER-YOUTH SCHOLARSHIPS