Foster Youth College Success Inititative

The Foster Youth College Success Initiative (FYCSI) is a program established specifically for students who have experienced foster care or are eligible orphans. FYCSI funding can be used toward supporting the cost of attending college, including housing and meals.

Any student who is currently a resident of New York State and spent time in foster care any time after their 13th birthday, or is an orphan, is eligible for funding. 

Please submit the FYCSI consent form (DOCX) to FCY4College@ocfs.ny.gov so that your eligibility can be verified and communicated to SED as well as your school.

FYCSI funds may be used by eligible undergraduate students who are matriculated at a State University of New York (SUNY) college or university, a City College of New York (CUNY) college or university, or an Independent/Private college or university that also hosts a Higher Education Opportunities Program (HEOP). Funds will be directed to the respective campus financial aid office.

Student Eligibility for Participation in the Foster Youth College Success Initiative Program:

• MUST be a NYS resident and enrolled in a SUNY college or university, CUNY college or university, or independent/private college or university which also hosts a Higher Education Opportunities Program (HEOP); AND
• MUST meet the federal Higher Education Act definition* of a foster youth or orphan.

• Students adopted from foster care after their 13th birthday;
• Students living with a relative or kin under a kinship foster care agreement;
• Students who have aged out of foster care; and
• Students that were in foster care in another state, but meet the opportunity program residency requirements (a NY resident for at least 1 year or received a high school diploma in NY)