Chafee Education and Training Voucher (ETV)
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Chafee Independence Program
Apply any timeRenews each year
Up to $5,000 a year (up to 5 years, through age 26) for former Kentucky foster youth in college or job training.
- How much
- Up to $5,000 per year, for up to 5 years or until age 26
- Who qualifies
- Former Kentucky foster youth (left care at/after 18, or adopted from care at/after 16)
- Ages 18-26; enrolled in college/university or a job training program; 2.0 GPA or satisfactory progress.
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students
- When to apply
- Apply any time No deadline published; apply through your Independent Living Specialist.
- How to apply
- Complete the Education Training Voucher application packet with your regional Independent Living Specialist
- Contact the Chafee Independence Program at chafee.ilp@ky.gov or 800-232-5437
- What you'll need
- state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (manuals-sp-chfs.ky.gov) and page 2
The details
Federally funded (John H. Chafee program), state-administered voucher for youth who left Kentucky foster care at or after age 18, or were adopted from Kentucky foster care at or after age 16. Up to $5,000 per year for up to 5 years or until age 26, for college or job training. Must maintain a 2.0 GPA or satisfactory progress and provide proof of academic standing each semester.
More money from Kentucky
- Optometry Scholarship$15,000 per recipient (2026-27; varies yearly with funding)
- College Access Program (CAP) GrantUp to $2,500 at a two-year institution; up to $5,300 at a four-year institution (2026-27)
- Kentucky Tuition Grant (KTG)Up to $3,300 for the 2026-27 academic year
- Early Graduation Scholarship CertificateOne-half of the state portion of the average per-pupil SEEK base guarantee for the graduation year (one-time)
- Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES)Varies: $187-$500 per year of college for each high school year with a 2.75+ GPA, plus ACT/SAT bonus up to $500 and AP/IB/CAI supplements of $200-$300 per qualifying score (free/reduced lunch students)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
- 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.