Transitional Age Youth Financial Assistance Program (TAY-FAP)

Purpose

To provide financial, planning, goal setting and performance support to current or former foster youth with needs related to enrolling in or maintaining enrollment in post-secondary education that enhances their ability to anchieve their identified career goals, leading to independence, self-sufficiency, and reducing system dependency.

Core Requirements for SB County Eligibility

Current or former foster youth in Santa Barbara County:

High School diploma/GED and less than 26 years of age
Employed at minimum, part-time
Attending or enrolled in an accredited University, Community College, or Vocational Program
Identified degree/major
Identified career goal
Maintain a "C" average in coursework. Any grade that falls below established average is subject to review and might result in the end of funding through scholarship.
Has exhausted all other financing options covered by Financial Aid, Grants, etc.
Degree/certificate will enhance participant's ability to achieve independence and self-sufficiency.
Must be willing to sign an Agreement of Responsibility

TAY-FAP SB County Scholarship Support

These funds are limited and availability is subject to change based on the funding of the scholarship. Assistance may be requested for the costs associated with the following needs:

Tuition
Tutoring
School supplies, textbooks, computers, lab fees, or other required school related tools
Housing in a dormitory, student housing, or apartment
Transportation needs
Meeting urgent, essntial or emergency needs related to living (e.g. utilities, housegold items, furnishings)
Medically necessary devices that directly affect education (e.g. glasses, hearing aids) not covered by insurance

How to Apply for TAY-FAP SB County Scholarship

Request must be initiated in writing by the participant needing assistance using the TAY-FAP Scholarship Request Form (ask your ILP Case Manager for a copy).
The participant will sign a TAY-FAP Scholarship Agreement of Responsibility Form.
All approved TAY-FAP Scholarship Assistance Request Forms shall be forwarded to the TAY-FAP Coordinator for processing.

Core Requirements for SLO County Eligibility

Eligible for ILP** in San Luis Obispo County (this includes THPP, THP+ and THP+FC youth in SLO county) and:
Attending or enrolled in a California University (CSU or UC), California Community College or Vocational Program
Has exhausted all other financing options covered by Financial Aid, Chafee Grants, etc.
Funds will enhance TAY’s ability to achieve independence and self-sufficiency
Participants must be willing to sign an agreement
These funds are limited and that availability is subject to change based on the funding of the program

**Exception: If a youth is currently receiving TAY-FAP funds and enrolled in school beyond the age of 21, they may receive funds continuing support until they graduate (not to exceed 24 years of age)

TAY-FAP SLO County Support

Housing in a dormitory, student housing, or apartment
Transportation needs
School supplies, text books, lab fees, or other required school related tools
Meeting urgent, essential, or emergency needs related to living, e.g., utilities, household items, furnishings
As an incentive to those participants that are enrolled in school and employed, TAP-FAP will provide a savings match, up to $100 per moth per participant, payable to the participant at the end of the participant’s first year (Participant’s personal bank statement is required to verify eligibility for this savings match. This does not apply to Participants in THPP, THP+FC, and THP+).
TAY-FAP participants who are interested in a mentor may request one through the TAY-FAP Coordinator
Those youth who are interested in case management support beyond the age of 21 may request support by contacting the TAY-FAP Coordinator

How to Apply for TAY-FAP SLO County Scholarship

Referrals may be made only after it has been determined by the TAY’s Transitional Living Team (TLT) or ILP Permanency Worker that there are no other funding options available to the TAY. When possible, TAY needs for TAY-FAP Support shall be included in their Transition to the Independent Living Plan (TILP).
If the youth is a participant in SLO THPP, THP+FC, THP+ they may make their request through their program case manager/social worker to the TAY-FAP Coordinator (Marie Hughes) in collaboration with ILP.
Request must be initiated in writing by the TAY needing assistance, using the TAY Financial Assistance Request Form.
- For TAY placed in THPP or THP-Plus, Financial Assistance Request Forms shall be given to their FCNI SW or YDS to be present to the TAY’s TLT.
- For TAY served solely by the ILP Program, Financial Assistance Request Forms shall be given to their ILP Permanency Worker.
The youth will sign a TAY-FAP Agreement of Responsibility Form
All approved TAY Financial Assistance Request Forms shall be forwarded to the FCNI TAY-FAP Coordinator for processing.
- All payment requests must be approved by DSS and FCNI management prior to release of funds.
TAY-FAP participants who are interested in a mentor or tutor may request one through the TAY-FAP Coordinator.