Transition-Age Youth in Foster Care: Higher Education Enrollment and Use of Supports

Transition-age youth (TAY) in foster care experience significant challenges in leveraging higher education opportunities during their transition to adulthood. Education and Training Vouchers (ETVs) are a key resource, but research about access is limited. This study linked administrative data to examine how foster care experiences such as extended foster care (EFC) and placement stability may be associated with higher education enrollment and ETV access for this population. Youth staying in EFC, as well as those with greater stability and family-like placements, were significantly more likely to enroll in higher education and receive ETV funds. Jurisdictions should explore how best to facilitate social supports and resource awareness through these programs so that youth are equipped to thrive in higher education settings.