The bill is a response to the struggles many foster children face as they age out of the system, often without the resources or guidance to make smooth transitions into adult life. Co-sponsored by state Representative Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus), the bill promises to change the future of Ohio’s most vulnerable youth by addressing the key barriers they face.
Why Foster Youth Need More Support After Aging Out of the System
For many young adults in Ohio’s foster care system, turning 18 means aging out of care—leaving behind a network of support just when they need it most. Without a family to lean on, many of these individuals struggle with unemployment, lack of educational opportunities, and the challenge of navigating the real world on their own.
According to Jarrells, foster youth face some of the most challenging odds in the state, which is why he believes the state could be doing much more to help them succeed. “They are experiencing some of the worst outcomes in our state, and yet the state could and should do more,” Jarrells said.
House Bill 25 aims to address these disparities by providing foster youth with a scholarship program to help cover their education costs after leaving the system. The bill targets young people who have been in foster care after their 13th birthday and would help cover tuition, fees, and other educational expenses that are not already covered by federal or state financial aid.
What’s in the Bill? A $7.5 Million Investment in Education
The heart of the bill lies in its financial commitment. House Bill 25 proposes to allocate $7.5 million over the next two years to fund the new scholarship program. This is expected to cover tuition and other educational expenses for young adults who have aged out of foster care and wish to pursue a college degree or technical career training.
Beyond just financial support, the bill also calls for the creation of a “foster care student navigator” role. These navigators would be responsible for helping foster youth navigate the often-complicated processes of applying for higher education, finding career tech opportunities, and accessing the resources they need to succeed.
“We want these kids to have the best chance at life,” said Representative Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth), a co-sponsor of the bill. “When they turn 18, they just age out of the system, and we want to make sure they have the support they need to succeed.”
Ray drew comparisons between the proposed program and the GI Bill, which provides financial support for military veterans pursuing higher education. The GI Bill has helped many veterans build successful careers, and Ray believes the foster care scholarship program could have a similar life-changing impact for young adults who have been in foster care.
Ohio’s Push to Join Other States Offering Support
The bill, which follows a similar proposal that failed in the previous legislative session, has gained early support from both sides of the aisle. Jarrells and Ray believe the early introduction of the bill gives it a better chance of passing this year, especially with ongoing budget negotiations that could include the bill’s provisions.
The new legislation comes at a time when other states are taking similar steps to help foster youth pursue higher education. According to the Children’s Defense Fund of Ohio, 35 states, including Texas and Florida, have already passed similar bills, aiming to help former foster youth transition to adulthood through education.
While the bill is still being reviewed by both the House and Senate, lawmakers are hopeful that Ohio will soon join the ranks of these states. The bill is currently in the hands of the House Workforce & Higher Education Committee and the Senate Finance Committee, with sponsors pushing for it to be passed early in the legislative session.
A Positive Future for Ohio’s Foster Youth
Both Jarrells and Ray are optimistic that this bill will create a brighter future for Ohio’s foster youth, providing them with the educational resources and support they need to overcome their challenges. The scholarship program and support system aim to give them a fresh start—one that opens doors to higher education and career opportunities they might not have had otherwise.
“We want this to be a win for the future, and hopefully something that gets continued investment so we can reach as many foster kids as we can,” said Jarrells. By providing these resources, Ohio hopes to give foster youth the chance they deserve to succeed and contribute to the state’s workforce and economy.
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