New Jersey Foster Care Scholars Program

Scholarship Sponsored by Embrella

Overview

The New Jersey Foster Care Scholars Program is offered by embrella in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) to provide educational assistance to youth with foster care or homelessness histories. The program connects qualified students to postsecondary support and funding designed to reduce financial barriers to college and vocational training. It coordinates multiple funding sources and services to help scholars pursue certificates, associate’s degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. The program emphasizes collaboration between state agencies and service providers to support educational attainment.

Description: The program provides educational assistance through the NJFC Scholars Program, administered in partnership between embrella and DCF.

• State partnership to deliver education support to foster and homeless youth.
• Supports postsecondary enrollment at New Jersey public institutions.
• Coordinates multiple funding streams and services for scholars.

Growth

Since the program was established in 2003, more than 438 New Jersey Foster Care Scholars have confirmed completion of a credential or degree. Completions include certifications, associate’s degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. These outcomes demonstrate sustained participation and measurable educational attainment among program participants. The growth metrics reflect long-term program activity and the potential impact on scholars’ career readiness.

History of the Award: The program has been active since it was authorized in 2003 and has documented over 438 confirmed degree or certification completions among participants.

• Active since 2003.
• 438+ confirmed degree or certification completions.
• Includes certificate, associate’s, and bachelor’s credentials.

NJFC Scholars Program Information

The NJFC Scholars Program uses two distinct sources of funding, each with its own eligibility criteria and covered services. A student’s case history determines which funding source applies and what the scholarship will cover. Because funding sources differ, covered costs and eligibility requirements vary by individual circumstance. Program administrators review case histories to assign the appropriate funding pathway for each scholar.

Eligibility: Eligibility is determined by the specific funding source; a student’s case history dictates which source and services apply.

• Two separate funding sources with distinct eligibility rules.
• Case history determines which funding source applies to a student.
• Covered services and costs vary by funding source.

Tuition Waiver

The Tuition Waiver is one of the program’s funding sources and was established by legislation signed in July 2003. This waiver provides eligible foster and homeless youth with assistance for tuition and fees at public New Jersey colleges, universities, and vocational schools. The waiver applies only to tuition and fees and does not cover room and board; students must be enrolled full-time to qualify. The Tuition Waiver was the initial statutory funding mechanism enabling educational access for eligible youth.

History of the Award: The Tuition Waiver was enacted when the Tuition Waiver Bill was signed into law in July 2003.

Award Value: The waiver covers tuition and fees at public New Jersey institutions for eligible, full-time students; it excludes room and board.

• Established by legislation in July 2003.
• Covers tuition and fees only (no room and board).
• Applies to full-time enrollment at public NJ institutions.