HB 1079-S.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Declares an intent to encourage and support foster youth to pursue postsecondary education or training opportunities. A coordination committee that provides statewide planning and oversight of related efforts will improve the effectiveness of both current and future initiatives to improve postsecondary educational outcomes for foster youth. In addition, the state can provide financial support to former foster youth pursuing higher education or training by setting aside portions of the state need grant and the state work study programs specifically for foster youth.

Provides that the duties of the oversight committee shall include, but are not limited to: (1) Assessing the scope and nature of statewide need among current and former foster youth for assistance to pursue and participate in postsecondary education or training opportunities;

(2) Identifying available sources of funding available in the state for services to former foster youth to pursue and participate in postsecondary education or training opportunities;

(3) Reviewing the effectiveness of activities in the state to support former foster youth to pursue and participate in postsecondary education or training opportunities;

(4) Identifying new activities, or existing activities that should be modified or expanded, to best meet statewide needs;

(5) Reviewing on an ongoing basis the progress toward improving educational and vocational outcomes for foster youth.

Declares that, as used in this act, "former foster youth" means a person who is at least eighteen years of age, but not more than twenty-four years of age, who was a dependent of the department of social and health services at the time he or she attained the age of eighteen.