Road-to-Independence Postsecondary Education Services and Support (PESS)
Florida Department of Children and Families
$1,720 a month for former Florida foster youth ages 18-22 attending college or vocational school.
- How much
- $1,720 per month
- Who qualifies
- Former Florida foster youth (licensed care on 18th birthday or adopted/guardianship at 14+ after 6+ months in licensed care)
- Age 18-22; spent 6+ months in licensed care before 18; standard high school diploma or equivalent; admitted full-time to an eligible postsecondary institution (s. 1009.533).
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students
- When to apply
- Apply any time Rolling; through the community-based care lead agency.
- How to apply
- Work with your community-based care lead agency (DCF) to apply
- File a complete FAFSA, apply for other grants and scholarships, and sign the records-release agreement
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (flsenate.gov)
The details
Florida Department of Children and Families program (s. 409.1451(2), F.S.) for young adults who aged out of licensed foster care, or were adopted or placed with a dependency guardian at 14+ after 6+ months in care. A young adult not in foster care attending an eligible postsecondary school receives $1,720 a month; those remaining in foster care receive the foster room-and-board rate. Must be enrolled full-time (9 credit hours or vocational equivalent; part-time allowed for disability or approved circumstances).
More money from Florida
- McKnight Doctoral Fellowshipstipend up to $14,000 per year for up to 3 years
- Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship Program (MMB)up to $3,000 per year (2025-26; may be prorated)
- Benacquisto Scholarship ProgramInstitutional in-state cost of attendance minus Bright Futures and National Merit awards
- Florida Bright Futures - Florida Academic Scholars (FAS)100% of tuition and applicable fees at Florida public institutions; at private institutions $212 per semester credit hour (4-year, 2026-27); Academic Top Scholars add $44 per semester credit hour
- Florida Bright Futures - Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholars (GSC)$39 per semester credit hour (career certificate or applied technology diploma), $48 per semester credit hour (AS/AAS/CCC technical degree), 2026-27; $48 per semester credit hour toward a BS/BAS after an AS/AAS
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Alabama, Georgia
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.