Massachusetts Foster Child Grant Program (2026) – College Scholarship for Former Foster Youth

Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance Undergraduate / College United States (Massachusetts)
Massachusetts Foster Child Grant Program - College Scholarship for Former Foster Youth

Scholarship Description

The Massachusetts Foster Child Grant Program is a state-funded financial aid initiative designed to support former foster youth in pursuing higher education. Administered by the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA), this grant provides essential financial support to eligible students who have experienced foster care, helping them access college education and build brighter futures.

The program provides funding to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses for students attending eligible colleges and universities in Massachusetts. The grant is intended to reduce financial barriers for foster youth and ensure they have the resources needed to succeed in their academic journey. This is part of Massachusetts' commitment to supporting young people who have aged out of the foster care system.

Scholarship Location

The grant is tenable at eligible colleges and universities in Massachusetts, including public and private institutions, community colleges, and state universities.

Application Deadline

The Massachusetts Foster Child Grant Program follows the state's priority filing deadlines for financial aid. For the 2026 academic year, students should complete the FAFSA and state aid applications by the May 1, 2026 priority deadline. However, applications may be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the academic year.

Priority Filing Deadline: May 1, 2026

FAFSA Submission: Complete the FAFSA as early as possible (October 1 is the earliest date).

Recommendation: Apply as early as possible to ensure consideration for all available funding.

Host Institution

Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) – the state agency responsible for administering financial aid programs for Massachusetts students. The grant is awarded in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF).

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Undergraduate / College (Associate's and Bachelor's degrees).

Fields of study: All fields of study at eligible Massachusetts colleges and universities are covered. The grant supports students pursuing any accredited degree or certificate program.

Target Group

Former foster youth who are Massachusetts residents and have been in the care of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) or a similar agency. The program specifically supports students who have experienced foster care and are now pursuing higher education.

Scholarship Duration & Amount

Duration: The grant is awarded on a per-academic-year basis and may be renewed annually, subject to continued eligibility and satisfactory academic progress.

Grant amount: The award covers tuition, fees, and living expenses up to the cost of attendance at the eligible institution. The exact amount depends on the student's financial need, other aid received, and available funding.

Typical coverage includes:

  • Tuition and mandatory fees at the eligible Massachusetts institution
  • Living expenses (housing, meals, transportation, books, and supplies)
  • Other educational costs as determined by the institution's cost of attendance

Important notes: The grant is designed to cover the gap between other financial aid (such as Pell Grants, state scholarships, and institutional aid) and the full cost of attendance. Students are required to complete the FAFSA and any state aid applications to determine eligibility.

📊 Summary of Benefits:
Coverage: Tuition + Fees + Living expenses (up to cost of attendance)
Duration: Per academic year, renewable
Application: FAFSA + Massachusetts state aid applications required

Scholarship Eligibility

Essential criteria for the Massachusetts Foster Child Grant Program:

  • Foster care status: Must have been in the care of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) or a similar foster care agency. Typically, students must have been in foster care at age 16 or older.
  • Massachusetts residency: Must be a legal resident of Massachusetts.
  • Enrollment: Must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at an eligible Massachusetts college or university.
  • FAFSA completion: Must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • State aid application: Must complete the Massachusetts state financial aid application (if required).
  • Academic progress: Must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the institution.
  • Other aid: Must apply for all other available financial aid (Pell Grants, scholarships, etc.) before receiving grant funds.

✅ Eligible Candidates

  • Former foster youth with DCF involvement (typically age 16+ in care).
  • Massachusetts residents.
  • Enrolled or accepted at an eligible Massachusetts college or university.
  • Completed FAFSA and state aid applications.
  • Demonstrated financial need.

❌ Ineligible Candidates

  • Students who were not in foster care in Massachusetts.
  • Non-Massachusetts residents.
  • Students not enrolled at an eligible Massachusetts institution.
  • Those who do not complete the FAFSA.
  • Students already receiving full funding from other sources.

Application Procedure

  1. Complete the FAFSA – Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible. The FAFSA is required for all federal and state financial aid programs.
  2. Complete the Massachusetts state aid application – Some state aid programs require additional forms. Check with the Massachusetts OSFA website for specific requirements.
  3. Verify foster care status – Work with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) or your college's financial aid office to verify your foster care status. You may need to provide documentation such as a DCF letter or court order.
  4. Check with your college's financial aid office – Contact the financial aid office at your Massachusetts college or university to confirm their process for the Foster Child Grant and any additional institutional requirements.
  5. Apply for other financial aid – Complete applications for Pell Grants, institutional scholarships, and other aid sources as needed.
  6. Await award notification – After all applications are processed, you will receive a financial aid award letter that includes the Foster Child Grant amount.
  7. Accept the award – Follow your institution's instructions to accept the grant and complete any required paperwork.

Important notes: The grant is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis depending on available funding. Students should apply as early as possible. The grant is renewable annually, but students must reapply each year by submitting the FAFSA and maintaining eligibility.

Official Website & Contact Information

Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance – Foster Child Grant

Massachusetts OSFA Main Website: https://www.mass.edu/osfa

Contact: Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance – (617) 391-6070

Department of Children and Families (DCF): For verification of foster care status, contact your local DCF office.

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Additional Support for Former Foster Youth

Massachusetts offers additional resources for former foster youth pursuing higher education, including:

  • DCF Tuition and Fee Waivers: Some Massachusetts public colleges offer tuition waivers for former foster youth.
  • Chafee Foster Care Independence Program: Federal funding for education and training vouchers for youth aging out of foster care.
  • Educational and Training Vouchers (ETV): Up to $5,000 per year for eligible former foster youth.
  • College Success Programs: Many Massachusetts colleges have dedicated support programs for former foster youth, including mentoring, housing support, and counseling.

Students are encouraged to contact their college's financial aid office and DCF social worker to learn about all available resources.

💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements

The Massachusetts Foster Child Grant Program is a vital resource for former foster youth seeking to pursue higher education. By covering tuition, fees, and living expenses, the grant removes significant financial barriers and empowers students to focus on their academic success. With the support of the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance and the Department of Children and Families, eligible students can access the education they deserve.

Key strategies for a successful application:

  • Complete the FAFSA as early as possible (October 1 is the earliest date).
  • Verify your foster care status with DCF and obtain any necessary documentation.
  • Contact your college's financial aid office to confirm their specific process for the Foster Child Grant.
  • Apply for all available financial aid – Pell Grants, state aid, institutional scholarships – to maximize your funding.
  • Meet the May 1, 2026 priority deadline for full consideration.
  • Be aware that funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Important reminders: The grant is renewable annually, but you must reapply each year by submitting the FAFSA. Maintain satisfactory academic progress to retain eligibility. The grant covers costs up to the institution's cost of attendance, after other aid is applied. For additional support, explore Chafee ETV funds and institutional support programs for former foster youth.

Massachusetts Foster Child Grant Program 2026 – FAQ

What does the Massachusetts Foster Child Grant cover?

The grant covers tuition, mandatory fees, and living expenses up to the cost of attendance at an eligible Massachusetts college or university, after other financial aid is applied.

Who is eligible for this grant?

Former foster youth who are Massachusetts residents, have been in the care of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (typically age 16 or older), and are enrolled or accepted at an eligible Massachusetts college or university.

What is the application deadline?

The priority filing deadline is May 1, 2026. However, students should complete the FAFSA as early as possible (starting October 1).

Do I need to complete the FAFSA?

Yes, completing the FAFSA is required for all students applying for the Foster Child Grant.

How do I verify my foster care status?

Contact the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) or your college's financial aid office. You may need a letter from DCF or court documentation confirming your foster care history.

Is the grant renewable?

Yes, the grant is renewable annually, but you must reapply each year by submitting the FAFSA and maintaining satisfactory academic progress.

Can I use this grant at any college?

The grant is only eligible at accredited Massachusetts colleges and universities that participate in state financial aid programs.

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