New bill in SC would waive public college tuition for foster kids up until age 26

COLUMBIA, S.C. – A new bill making its way through the State House in Columbia would allow certain former foster kids to have their college tuition waived. It’s known as the Fostering Futures Act, and it’s been proposed by members of the initiative SC FIRST. The group’s founder says tuition would be waived at public institutions for young people who have aged out of the foster care system up until their 26th birthday. Now, the idea is picking up bipartisan support among lawmakers.

SC FIRST founder Amanda Moon says, “Outcomes as it stands for youth in foster care can be low, especially as they age out, with many of them becoming homeless or incarcerated. So if instead, we were to front load this investment, and waive their tuition, they would not only cost less in future social services costs, but also be tax-paying, contributing citizens.”

Next, supporters hope to have the bill assigned to a subcommittee to lay the groundwork for a vote.