At Tuesday’s meeting, Hidalgo County Commissioner Eduardo ” Eddie” Cantu sponsored a Proclamation declaring October as National Foster Youth Voice Month.
There are more than 387 children and youth involved in the foster care system in Hidalgo County, and approximately 78 young adults engaged in independent living services.
For the first time in Hidalgo County history, in partnership with South Texas College, will make money available for aged-out foster youth through the Foster Youth Initiative rental vouchers. Approximately $155,000 minimum per year is available through the voucher system for 14 students.
Some foster youth receive a Tuition and Fee Waiver from the State of Texas to cover their (public) school tuition and fees. They can get as many degrees (associates, bachelor, master, doctoral) as they wish as long as they “activate” (by taking at least one college course) the waiver by 25.
However, less than 2% of aged-out foster youth attend college because of a lack of housing. The voucher system allows aged-out foster youth to have their housing paid for.
