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Senate Bill 1208 was signed into law by Governor Brewer on June 20, 2013. In 90

days from this signing, SB 1208 becomes law - on or about September 20, 2013. SB 1208 creates a five year pilot program providing tuition waivers at all three of Arizona's state universities and community colleges for certain children in foster care, or who have been adopted. A full copy of SB #1208 is below. Now that the bill has passed, the technicalities of implementation and communication between entities are seen as critical to the tuition waiver pilot’s success. On July 24, AFFCF participated in a state-wide stakeholders meeting, hosted by Children's Action Alliance, which included representatives from the state universities and colleges as well as other community organizations. None of the universities or colleges could definitively say when they will have the infrastructure in place to implement this pilot program. The earliest possible date looks to be spring 2014. Check back with affcf.org for continuing developments. 1 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona: 2 Section 1. Title 15, chapter 14, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, 3 is amended by adding section 15-1809, to read: 4 15-1809. Tuition waiver for persons formerly in foster care; 5 pilot program; report; definition 6 A. THE ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS SHALL DEVELOP A FIVE-YEAR PILOT 7 PROGRAM TO PROVIDE A TUITION WAIVER SCHOLARSHIP AT ANY UNIVERSITY UNDER THE 8 JURISDICTION OF THE ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS AND EACH COMMUNITY COLLEGE 9 DISTRICT SHALL DEVELOP A FIVE-YEAR PILOT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE A TUITION WAIVER 10 SCHOLARSHIP AT ANY COMMUNITY COLLEGE IN THAT COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT TO 11 ANY PERSON WHO MEETS EACH OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: 12 1. RESIDES IN THIS STATE. 13 2. EITHER: 14 (a) IS CURRENTLY IN FOSTER CARE AND IS AT LEAST SIXTEEN YEARS OF AGE. 15 (b) WAS IN FOSTER CARE WHEN THE PERSON WAS AT LEAST SIXTEEN YEARS OF 16 AGE. 17 (c) WAS ADOPTED FROM FOSTER CARE AND THE ADOPTION WAS FINALIZED AFTER 18 THE PERSON WAS SIXTEEN YEARS OF AGE. 19 3. IS A UNITED STATES CITIZEN OR IS A NONCITIZEN WHO IS LAWFULLY 20 PRESENT IN THIS COUNTRY. 21 4. HAS TOTAL PERSONAL ASSETS, NOT INCLUDING SCHOLARSHIPS OR GRANTS 22 RECEIVED BY THE PERSON, THAT ARE WORTH LESS THAN TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS. 23 5. IS UNDER TWENTY-ONE YEARS OF AGE WHEN THE FIRST TUITION WAIVER 24 SCHOLARSHIP IS AWARDED TO THAT PERSON PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION. IF THE 25 PERSON HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY AWARDED A TUITION WAIVER SCHOLARSHIP PURSUANT TO 26 THIS SECTION AND THE PERSON IS MAKING SATISFACTORY PROGRESS TOWARD A

Arizona Friends of Foster Children Newsletter

AFFCF’s mission is to promote the self-esteem and enrich the lives of Arizona’s foster children by funding activities, education, and other needs that provide them with quality experiences while they live through the most difficult circumstances.

AFFCF Scholar Program Update & News

Summer 2013

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27 BACCALAUREATE DEGREE, AN ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE OR A CERTIFICATE AT THE TIME THE 28 PERSON REACHES TWENTY-ONE YEARS OF AGE, THE PERSON MAY CONTINUE TO BE AWARDED 29 A TUITION WAIVER SCHOLARSHIP UNTIL THE PERSON REACHES TWENTY-THREE YEARS OF 30 AGE. 31 6. IS ACCEPTED INTO OR ENROLLED IN A DEGREE, CERTIFICATE OR OTHER 32 ACCREDITED PROGRAM AT A UNIVERSITY UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE ARIZONA 33 BOARD OF REGENTS OR A COMMUNITY COLLEGE UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF A COMMUNITY 34 COLLEGE DISTRICT. THE PERSON MUST DEMONSTRATE CONTINUOUS PROGRESS TOWARD A 35 DEGREE OR CERTIFICATE IN ORDER TO REMAIN ELIGIBLE FOR A TUITION WAIVER 36 SCHOLARSHIP ISSUED. 37 7. HAS COMPLETED AND SUBMITTED TO THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF 38 EDUCATION A FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID BEFORE EACH YEAR IN 39 WHICH THE PERSON RECEIVES A TUITION WAIVER SCHOLARSHIP PURSUANT TO THIS 40 SECTION. 41 8. AFTER THE FIRST ACADEMIC YEAR IN WHICH THE PERSON RECEIVES A 42 TUITION WAIVER SCHOLARSHIP PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION, ANNUALLY COMPLETES AT 43 LEAST THIRTY HOURS OF VOLUNTEER SERVICE DURING THE PREVIOUS ACADEMIC YEAR. 44 9. REMAINS IN GOOD STANDING WITH THE POLICIES ESTABLISHED BY THE 45 UNIVERSITY OR COMMUNITY COLLEGE AT WHICH THE PERSON IS ENROLLED. S.B. 1208 - 2 - 1 B. A TUITION WAIVER SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION 2 SHALL BE REDUCED BY THE AMOUNT OF ANY OTHER FEDERAL AID SCHOLARSHIPS OR 3 PUBLIC GRANTS AND ANY OTHER PUBLIC AID RECEIVED BY THAT PERSON FROM OR 4 THROUGH THE UNIVERSITY OR COMMUNITY COLLEGE AT WHICH THE PERSON IS ENROLLED, 5 EXCEPT THAT A TUITION WAIVER SCHOLARSHIP SHALL NOT BE REDUCED BY THE AMOUNT 6 OF FEDERAL GRANTS RECEIVED BY THE PERSON FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC 7 SECURITY UNDER THE ARIZONA EDUCATION AND TRAINING VOUCHER PROGRAM. 8 C. THE AUDITOR GENERAL SHALL REVIEW THE PILOT PROGRAMS AND ON OR 9 BEFORE JUNE 30, 2017 SHALL SUBMIT A REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR, THE PRESIDENT OF 10 THE SENATE AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THAT EVALUATES THE 11 EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PILOT PROGRAMS. THE AUDITOR GENERAL SHALL PROVIDE A 12 COPY OF THIS REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE. 13 D. IF THE PILOT PROGRAM IS TERMINATED BEFORE A TUITION WAIVER 14 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT OBTAINS AN ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE, A BACCALAUREATE DEGREE 15 OR A CERTIFICATE AND BEFORE THE RECIPIENT REACHES TWENTY-THREE YEARS OF AGE, 16 THAT PERSON SHALL CONTINUE TO BE AWARDED A TUITION WAIVER SCHOLARSHIP UNTIL 17 THE PERSON REACHES TWENTY-THREE YEARS OF AGE OR OBTAINS A BACCALAUREATE 18 DEGREE, AN ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE OR A CERTIFICATE, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST, IF 19 THE PERSON CONTINUES TO MEET THE SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA PRESCRIBED BY THIS 20 SECTION. 21 E. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, "TUITION" MEANS TUITION AND 22 MANDATORY FEES CHARGED BY THE UNIVERSITY OR COMMUNITY COLLEGE. 23 Sec. 2. Delayed repeal 24 Section 15-1809, Arizona Revised Statutes, as added by this act, is 25 repealed from and after June 30, 2018. APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR JUNE 20, 2013. FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE JUNE 20, 2013.

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A Strong Middle School Education Matters

A report by American College Testing (ACT) found that: “Eighth-grade achievement is the best predictor of students’ ultimate level of college and career readiness by high school graduation—even more than students’ family background, high school coursework, or high school grade point average.” The ACT researchers found that students’ academic readiness for college and career can be improved when students develop behaviors in the upper elementary grades and in middle school that are known to contribute to successful academic performance. The title of the report is The Forgotten Middle, which states

“Today, college readiness also means career readiness. While not every high school graduate plans to attend college, the majority of the fastest-growing jobs that require a high school diploma, pay a salary above the poverty line for a family of four, and provide opportunities for career advancement require knowledge and skills comparable to those expected of the first-year college student. ACT data show that fewer than two in ten eighth graders are on target to be ready for college-level work by the time they graduate from high school. This means that more than eight of ten eighth-grade students do not have the knowledge and skills they need to enter high school and succeed there. And not surprisingly, our research shows that students who are not prepared for high school are less likely than other students to be prepared for college and career by the time they graduate from high school. So although the gates of high school are technically open to all students, for more than 80 percent of them, the door to their futures may already be closed.”

This research cites two academic behaviors that had a substantial impact on academic success in eighth grade; academic discipline (i.e., good work and study habits, such as consistently completing homework) and orderly conduct. Additionally they found that having positive relationships with peers and teachers makes a significant impact on future success. Other studies also compare student success from Kindergarten – eighth grade schools to those who must transition to new school environments in the middle school years and again in high school. Reducing multiple transitions reduces bullying behavior, increases self-esteem and increases academic success.

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Key Scholarship Opportunities

University of Phoenix- “First Chance Scholarship Program”- full tuition scholarships redeemable at any University of Phoenix campus for youth in foster care under 25 years old. Through a partnership between the University of Phoenix and the National Foster Parent Association, five (5) full-tuition scholarships will be offered. Each scholarship will allow a prospective student the opportunity to complete an undergraduate or master's degree program at University of Phoenix. Recipients may choose to attend a University of Phoenix on-ground campus or may attend University of Phoenix online. www.phoenix.edu/tuition_and_financial_options/scholarships/institutional-scholarships.html

Casey Family Programs- “Foster Care to Success” administers the Casey Family Scholars and Alumni Scholarship programs for youth served through Case Family Programs. www.fc2success.org/programs/scholarships-and-grants/

Nina’s Scholars- Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust given to students registered at ASU between the

ages of 18-25 that have lived in a foster home. http://ninascholars.asu.edu/

Armstrong Family Foundation –Scholarships of up to $8000 for youth in foster care or court wards. http://www.armstrongfamilyfoundation.com/Page_D03_ASU_1-Scholarship_Program.html

Yavapai College-Barbara Polk Scholarship -Champion’s Scholarship Fund/Barbara J. Polk-Available to qualified students who are former or current wards of Yavapai County court. https://www.yc.edu/v4content/yavapai-college-foundation/scholarships.htm

There are a number of other scholarship programs available to youth throughout the state, which youth transitioning from foster care can access. These include, but are not limited to:

Federal Pell Grant Program Arizona Community Foundation Arizona State University (ASU) Foundation Northern Arizona university (U of A) Foundation

Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program- The ETV program is administered by ADES-DCYF with funding from the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program. Vouchers provide financial assistance up to $5000 per year for post-secondary education and training costs, including related living expenses to eligible youth up to 23 years old. A youth may apply for assistance through the state ETV program if the youth:

Was in out of home care in the custody of ADES-DCYF when age 16, 17 or 18; Is age 18-21 and was previously in the custody of ADES-DCYF or a licensed child welfare agency,

including tribal foster care programs; Was adopted from foster care at age 16 or older; or Was participating in the ETV program at age 21. Foster Care to Success staff and volunteers are available to advise, coach and guide each young

people, which includes outreach and mentoring services through a state-of-the-art web portal

For additional gran and scholarship opportunities please visit our website at affcf.org/scholarships/resources

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The Elks National Foundation http://www.elks.org/enf/scholars/

The Elks National Foundation provides more than $3.74 million in college

scholarships each year through its three scholarship programs. The application process

and deadlines vary for each program. All applications must go through a local Elks

Lodge before reaching the Elks National Foundation office. Contact your high school

counselor for more information or your local Elks Lodge.

Most Valuable Student Scholarships 500 four-year scholarships, ranging from $1,000 per year

to $12,500 per year, for graduating high school seniors based on financial need, leadership and

scholarship. The 2014 Most Valuable Student scholarship contest will begin on September

1, 2013. Please check with a local Elks Lodge for more details and to access an application.

Any high school senior who is a citizen of the United States is eligible to apply.

Applicants need not be related to a member of the Elks.

Current college students are not eligible to apply.

Applicants must be citizens of the United States on the date their applications are signed;

permanent legal resident status does not qualify.

Male and female students compete separately.

Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership, and financial need. The Most Valuable

Student scholarship deadline will be December 6, 2013. Applications must be submitted to the

Elks Lodge closest to the student's permanent U.S. address.

Applications must advance through local, district and state competitions to reach national

judging. The weekend of April 25-27, 2014, the 20 top finalists will participate in a Leadership

Weekend in Chicago during which they will interview with the national judges. These 20

finalists will be vying for two first-place awards of $50,000; two second-place awards of

$40,000; and two third-place awards of $30,000. The remaining 14 finalists will receive awards

of $20,000. The 480 runners-up will receive fifth-place scholarships of $4,000.

The Chicago office of the Elks National Foundation will announce the 500 national winners, and

notify them in writing, by late April 2014. (Many local Lodges, districts and state Elks

associations award their own scholarships through this program. These scholarships are not to be

confused with the 500 Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarships.)

All scholarships are in the form of certificates of award conditional upon the full-time enrollment

of the winner in an accredited U.S. college or university.

Ranging from $1,000 per year to $12,500 per year, Most Valuable Student scholarships are for

students pursuing a four-year degree, on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), in a

U.S. college or university.

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Assistance for Youth Transitioning out of Foster Care A New Leaf Transitional Living Program (Maricopa County) - serves 18-25 year-olds who are homeless or on the verge

of homelessness with an emphasis on youth who have aged-out of the foster care system. The Empower Program, New Leaf

Cottages and Desert Leaf apartments provide a combination of affordable (or subsidized) short-term transitional housing,

basic needs, case management, and independent living training for young adults who are working and /or obtaining higher

education or training for up to two years. Young Adult participants temporarily may live in one of two “agency owned”

homes in Mesa or in apartments across the Valley. Independent Living Skills, support, and case management are provided at

convenient locations for the residents. A New Leaf Cottages incorporates wraparound services from behavioral health and

community programs. Desert Leaf Apartments opened December 2012, an 18-unit, 1 and 2 bedroom complex located near

A New Leaf’s Pat Gilbert Center, home to both Maricopa County's WIC and immunization programs, and A New Leaf

behavioral health clinic and MesaCAN's community services. Source of Data: A New Leaf, (www.turnanewleaf.org)

HomeBase Youth Services Programs of Native American Connections

HomeBase Youth Services consists of Street Outreach, Day Outreach Center and Transitional Living for homeless youth

ages 18-21.

Street Outreach-Employees and volunteers, each night, travel out to the streets and other places where homeless

youth are found and bring meals, blankets, hygiene products and information about NAC services. HomeBase

strongly encourages youth to come to the Day Resource Center for more assistance.

Day Outreach Center -a facility where homeless youth can come Monday through Friday to wash their clothes,

take a shower, have a hot meal and meet with case managers and receive referrals for medical and mental health

professionals as they work toward entering the Transitional Living Program.

Transitional Living-A program designed specifically to help homeless young adults prepare for healthy

independent living. Services include housing for 25 youth, employment training and assistance, financial literacy

courses, educational training and assistance and referrals for legal assistance, medical and mental health services,

substance abuse services, social services and assistance with social/developmental challenges. In addition, NAC

provides the opportunity to access a wide variety of affordable housing when these young people are ready to be on

their own.

Our Family Teens in Transition: Transitional Housing (Pima County) consists of a 20 unit apartment complex leased

from the City of Tucson and scattered site apartments designed to provide housing for up to two years for qualified youth

ages 18-21. This housing program is designed for youth to work, complete educational or vocational goals, save money and

transition into a permanent living situation. All youth in this program have access to intensive case-management services,

life skills training, parenting classes (if pregnant or parenting) and participate in education and employment programs.

Independent Living Subsidy Program (ILSP)

The Independent Living Subsidy Program (ILSP) is an option for out-of-home placement for youth 17- 20 to live

independently provided they meet program requirements. Youth receive up to $715 per month to help with their expenses.

Transitional Independent Living Program (TILP)

The Transitional Independent Living Program (TILP) provides services to youth 18-20 who chose to leave foster care at age

18 or later and wish to reapply for support and services without returning to foster care. Youth may also be from Arizona’s

or some other states or tribal foster care system. Services are provided through contracts with community agencies.

Beginning July 1, 2013, Arizona’s Children Association (AzCA) will provide independent living skills training and

transitional services to foster youth statewide under a contract with ADES-DCYF.

Young Adult Transition Insurance (YATI) Since 2000, Arizona has offered health coverage to eligible young adults ages 18-21 through AHCCCS, the state Medicaid

program. Young Adult Transitional Insurance (YATI) allows youth turning 18 while in the state foster care system to

become enrolled through an expedited process designed to ensure seamless health care coverage. There is no income

restriction for this category of eligibility, so youth may secure livable wage employment without fear of losing health care

coverage.

Continued on next page…

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*Save the Dates*

WHAT: AFFCF will be hosting its second annual “Foodie Fare for Foster

Care”

WHEN: November 17, 2013 / 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

WHERE: Kierland Commons / 15205 N Kierland Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

WHY: Proceeds to fund the needs of children in Arizona’s foster care system.

Shop, eat, and give!

WHAT: AFFCF's Youth Shower Event

WHEN: September 28, 2013 / 1 pm - 3 pm WHERE: More info to follow (check affcf.org “Events Calendar” for updates) WHY: To celebrate and help young adults aging out of the foster care

system step into the next chapter of their lives.

Shower Wish List: • Target and Wal-Mart Gift Cards • Grocery Gift Cards • New Cleaning Supplies • New or Gently Used Small Household Appliances

Transitioning youth may also access the Section 8 Rental Assistance (Voucher) Program although waiting lists can

be long. City Housing Departments typically have some type of housing subsidy programs available. Youth serving

agencies have successfully partnered with local government housing departments to administer Section 8 Vouchers

for homeless youth including youth who are transitioning from foster care. Examples of these partnerships include:

One in Ten – City of Phoenix

Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development – City of Phoenix

County governments in Maricopa, Pima and Yuma received Family Unification Program (FUP) voucher funding

through the U. S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). FUP makes available housing subsidies to

former foster youth at least 18 years old and not more than 21 years who do not have adequate housing.

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Jobs, Jobs & More Jobs

Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JFCS) – “Real World Job Development Program” provides services to at-risk youth between the ages of 14-21 who are phasing out of the foster care system into independence, dealing with emotional or mental health challenges and/or living in out-of-home placements. Services include:

Intake and assessments Literacy Skills GED education & support Job training Paid apprenticeships Individual/group living skills training Case management Job referral Information and other referral services Guidance and mentorship

Source of Data: Jewish Family and Children’s Services (www.jfcsaz.org) and Youth Focus Group conducted by Children’s Action Alliance for the Arizona Youth Opportunities Initiative, 5.16.2013.

Goodwill AZ- Goodwill Career Center locations have a full-time staff to provide assistance with any type of job search. Career Centers are equipped with computers, printers, Internet access, telephones, and fax machines to provide services at no cost to the community. Goodwill Youth Services collaborates with other community organizations and government agencies to provide employment programs for youth in central Arizona. Source of Data: Goodwill (www.goodwillaz.org).

Job Corps is a no-cost education and career technical training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps young people ages 16 through 24 improve the quality of their lives through career technical and academic training. The Job Corps program is authorized by Title I-C of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. Arizona has two Job Corps programs, Phoenix Job Corps and Fred G. Acosta Job Corps Center in Tucson. Youth who are accepted to Job Corps also have options to attend programs in other states depending upon openings and training programs offered. Source of Data: (http://www.jobcorps.gov)

Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development The Learning Center -a resource center that provides educational/vocational assistance, job development, and referral and enhanced educational services for clients in Tumbleweed programs and in the Phoenix Community. Programs include: Homeless Youth Intervention Project (HYIP), Family Builders, Supported Transitional Apartments, Resources, and Training (START), and Workforce Investment Act (WIA) job and educational services for individuals ages 14-21. Tumbleweed Regional High School offers education for a High School Diploma. In addition, Tumbleweed offers General Education Equivalent Diploma (GED) preparation classes. The Center provides computer and internet access for educational and job search purposes. Tumble Tees –a youth-run T-shirt screen printing business operating in Downtown Phoenix since 2008. TumbleTees is a

unique screen printing shop that employs youth who are homeless or in unstable living situations, ages 16-25. They have

the opportunity to learn real life business skills while also being creative. TumbleTees customers include ASU, City of Grace

Church, Magellan Health Services, Green Living Magazine, and 1n10. Source of Data: Interview with Carl Tuitavuki, Program Manager, Tumbleweed Young Adult Program (www.tumbleweed.org), May 15, 2013.

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The Arizona Department of Economic Security (ADES) offers a

number of training programs, including a youth program providing services to young people

ages 14-21. The main thrust of the Youth Program is to increase the focus on longer-term

academic and occupational learning opportunities and provide long-term comprehensive service

strategies. Youth services are provided to in-school youth ages 14-21 and out-of-school youth

ages 16-21. Resources are offered in each region.

ARIZONA YOUTH PROGRAM TRAINING SERVICES BY COUNTY

County Program(s)

Contract information

Coconino Coconino County Career Center

928.679.7400

Gila Globe 928. 425.3181

Maricopa Maricopa Workforce Connections 602. 372.4204

Arizona Call-A-Teen 602.252.6721

City of Tempe Youth Employment 480.350.5627

Gilbert Youth Employment Service 480.497.3300 ext. 137

City of Scottsdale 480. 312.7922

Chandler Public Schools 480.883.5030

Mesa Youth Placement Service 480. 472-0500

Chicanos Por La Causa 602.269.6485

Goodwill Industries 602. 254.2222

Job Corps 602.322.2886

Navajo Northern Arizona Academy - 928.536.4222

Northland Pioneer College 928.289.6504

Navajo Nation Fort Defiance 928.729.4180

Chinle 928. 674.2177

Tuba City 505. 283.333

Pinal Casa Grande 520.836-1887

Superior 520.689.9044

Pima Pima County Youth Services - 520. 243.6700

Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) 520.884.5550

Yavapai Yavapai County One Stop Center 928.774.1895

Cottonwood Valley Academy for Career and

Technology Education

928.634.7131

Yuma Arizona Western College www.azwestern.edu/

Yuma Private Industry Council, Inc. 928.329.0990

Statewide Arizona Department of Commerce

Apprenticeship Program

Job Training Grant Program

www.AZJobConnection.gov

Statewide Arizona Department of Education

Student Services

Career and Technical Education

STRIVE for Students

www.azed.gov

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Student Loan Update:

Interest rates on federally subsidized student loans will drop, after doubling on July 1st, as a result of the United States House of Representatives passing a bill on July 31 to reduce the recently increased student loans. After passing in the Senate at the end of July, the House voted 392-31 in favor of the Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act of 2013, which lowers student loan interest rates for federally subsidized Stafford loans taken out this fall by 3.86 percent. The bill has gone to President Barack Obama for him to sign into law. Congress had failed to reach a deal to keep interest rates at 3.4 percent before a July 1 deadline, causing rates to double to 6.8 percent. The increase would have cost each student with a subsidized loan an additional $2,600 on average, according to Congress’ Joint Economic Committee.

The cause of the hike began in 2007, when Congress passed the College Cost Reduction and Access Act, aimed at gradually cutting interest rates on student loans in half from 6.8 percent to 3.4 percent by 2011. The College Cost and Reduction Act was set to expire in 2013, but was moved to 2012 as a compromise between Republicans and Democrats. Congress then extended the legislation for another year in June 2012, making the expiration date July 1. While the new bill means interest rates will decrease, rates will still experience about a 13.5 percent increase since last year. The latest bill fixed the interest rates on subsidized student loans to the rates of 10-year U.S. Treasury notes – if the rates of treasury notes rise in the future, so will the interest rates on federally subsidized student loans. Interest rates will be locked, however. This means that the rate students are told they will pay when they take out the loans will be the rate they are obligated to pay later. The rate caps for the loans are also lower in the Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act, with undergraduate student loan interest rates capped at 8.25 percent. There may still be increases in the rate over time, as the interest rates on 10-year Treasury notes is expected to rise to 5.2 percent by 2017. College students starting loans in 2017 could therefore face rates of about 7 percent, according to Congressional Budget Office projections.

Only interest rates for federally subsidized loans are affected by the Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act. The recently passed bill will not directly influence the interest rates for other types of federally funded loans or private loans. Federal subsidized loans make up about 26 percent of all federal student loans, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Unlike federally unsubsidized and PLUS loans, interest is not added on to subsidized loans while a student is in college. Those who take out subsidized loans are required to begin the repayment process six months after graduating or leaving college as the interest rates go into effect, according to the Office for Federal Student Aid.

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Each of our student-applicants has a unique history that is considered in the approval process.

1. AFFCF’s primary criterion is that the student-applicant had been a ward of the State of

Arizona when they turned 18 years of age, that is, that they had not been adopted or awarded permanent guardianship, or reunited with their biological parents prior to “aging-out” of Child Protective Services’ care. Prospective students who have signed a voluntary with CPS upon their 18th birthday are also eligible.

2. AFFCF will not consider first time applicants who are older than 24 years of age.

3. Greater consideration is given to those applicants who have spent more than two years in

Arizona’s foster care, and meet the primary criteria outlined in #1, above.

4. Scholarships are available for a total commitment of 10 semesters. This requirement is reviewable on a case-by-case basis.

5. University applicants are eligible to receive awards up to $5000 per academic year,

funded over two semesters, or $2500 per semester. Students eligible for the maximum university award are: new high school graduates who finished with a GPA of 2.5, or who are in the top 25% of their high school graduating class; or current university students who are maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.

6. Community College and Vocational and Trade School awards are provided for the

duration of the specific program, not to exceed five years. Maximum award for these programs is $1000 per semester. AFFCF funds two semesters in an academic year, for a total of $2000 per academic year.

7. Eligibility for scholarships is ongoing for the commitment of 10 semesters, unless a

student takes a hiatus from coursework, not to exceed more than two semesters. Each continuing recipient must provide specific documents each semester before AFFCF will disburse their scholarship award. A student who has more than two consecutive semesters of academic inactivity will automatically be dropped from eligibility.

8. AFFCF will not fund “retakes” of failed or withdrawn coursework.

9. Students who have a chronic history of failing or withdrawing from courses will be put on a “probationary status” for a period of two semesters; scholarship eligibility will be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.

10. Consideration of an application is not a guarantee of approval.

Adoption Policy Update

You can also research articles or find “filler”

articles by accessing the World Wide Web.

You can write about a variety of topics but try

to keep your articles short.

Much of the content you put in your newsletter

can also be used for your Web site. Microsoft

Word offers a simple way to convert your

newsletter to a Web publication. So, when

you’re finished writing your newsletter, convert

Need another article

it to a Web site and post it.

A great way to add useful content to this

newsletter is to develop and write your own

articles, or include a calendar of upcoming

events or a special offer that promotes a

new product.

5

AFFCF Scholarship Guidelines

Affcf.org/scholarships/scholarship-application/

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Did you know…?

NAU ranks among top institutions for minority students earning degrees Northern Arizona University ranks among the best in the nation for conferring the highest number of bachelor's degrees to minorities, particularly among Latino and Native American students, according to two recently released reports that track minority education trends

Contact AFFCF

Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation 1645 E. Missouri Suite 220 Phoenix, Arizona 85006 Phone: (602) 252-9445 www.affcf.org

Get involved. Give what you can. Get an immeasurable award of personal satisfaction

knowing you did all you could to be a responsible steward for our state’s foster youth.

A