Pennsylvania Chafee Education and Training Grant Program
Main Content
This federally funded program offers grants to Pennsylvania undergraduate students aging out of foster care who are attending an eligible postsecondary institution.
PHEAA administers the Pennsylvania Chafee Education and Training Grant (Chafee) Program on behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare as authorized under the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 and amended by the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Amendments of 2001.
Am I Eligible?
To be considered for this grant, you must:
- Be a Pennsylvania resident
- Be eligible for services under Pennsylvania's John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program
- Be identified as a youth in foster care or a youth discharged or adopted from foster care after age 16
- Be participating in the Chafee Program on your 21st birthday until you turn 23 years old
- Be enrolled at least half time in a college or career school that is approved by the U.S. Department of Education for Title IV student assistance programs
- Demonstrate financial need for the grant (as determined by the postsecondary institution)
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (as determined by the postsecondary institution)
- Not be in default on a federal student loan
How Much Can I Expect to Receive?
The maximum award under this program is $3,000 per academic year. However, no award may exceed your cost of attendance minus any other financial aid you receive.
Awards are contingent on federal funding and are not guaranteed. New applicants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
How Do I Apply?
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
- Download and complete the Pennsylvania Chafee Education and Training Grant Program Application (PDF).
- Mail your completed application to:
PHEAA
State Grant and Special Programs
P.O. Box 8157
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8157
Can I Renew?
Yes. You must complete a renewal FAFSA at fafsa.gov. Students who received a grant during the 2011–2012 academic year through the Chafee Program do not need to complete an application for 2012–2013.
