# Kentucky foster youth college aid program showing impressive gains  
**Published:** 2026-05-26T00:06:00.093Z  
**Source:** [Public News Service - Kentucky](https://app.publicnewsservice.org/story/more-kentucky-foster-kids-take-advantage-of-college-aid-tool/7d2fb685-8838-4bea-b74f-491032e51bad)  
**AI-generated:** yes (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001)  
**Canonical:** https://feeds.lexingtonky.news/article/kentucky-foster-youth-college-aid-program-showing-impressive-gains

An increasing number of foster and adopted youth in Kentucky are using the state's college tuition waiver program, with graduation rates climbing to around 40 percent, according to a [new report released by Public News Service](https://app.publicnewsservice.org/story/more-kentucky-foster-kids-take-advantage-of-college-aid-tool/7d2fb685-8838-4bea-b74f-491032e51bad). That represents a dramatic improvement from just 8 percent a decade ago.

The tuition waiver, established under [Kentucky statute 164.2847](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=50427), waives tuition and mandatory fees at any Kentucky public college or university, including programs through the [Kentucky Community and Technical College System](https://prd.webapps.chfs.ky.gov/kyrise/Home/Education). Eligible students can use the benefit for up to 150 credit hours or until age 28, whichever comes first.

Lesa Dennis, [commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services](https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/oc/Pages/default.aspx), attributed the increased uptake to community colleges offering more accessible pathways for youth transitioning from foster care. "Community and technical colleges are often providing a more accessible and flexible pathway for our young adults transitioning from foster care," Dennis said. "These campuses typically offer more flexible schedules, workforce-focused programming and smaller learning environments."

The benefits can lead to faster pathways to employment and financial independence, Dennis noted. The state has also expanded support programs like [Earn and Learn](https://manuals-sp-chfs.ky.gov/Resources/Related%20Resources%20Library/Kentucky%20Benefits%20Flyer.pdf), which pays foster youth ages 18-21 an hourly wage to pursue a GED or vocational credential while helping with postsecondary education costs not covered by financial aid.

Despite the promising signs, Kentucky foster youth continue to face significant barriers to educational success. The report showed these students struggle with school attendance, often due to severe childhood trauma and life disruptions such as homelessness. They are also less likely to graduate from high school compared to their peers.

Dennis emphasized that career and technical education, apprenticeships and certifications can be valuable pathways to stability. "They can be incredibly valuable pathways to stability and self-sufficiency," she said. The state has made strides in informing youth about available supports and helping them plan early for college or earning a credential, according to state officials.

## Sources

- [Public News Service - Kentucky](https://app.publicnewsservice.org/story/more-kentucky-foster-kids-take-advantage-of-college-aid-tool/7d2fb685-8838-4bea-b74f-491032e51bad)
- [Kentucky statute 164.2847 establishing tuition waiver for foster and adopted children](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=50427)
- [Kentucky Community and Technical College System education information](https://prd.webapps.chfs.ky.gov/kyrise/Home/Education)
- [DCBS Commissioner Lesa Dennis background](https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/oc/Pages/default.aspx)
- [Kentucky Earn and Learn program information](https://manuals-sp-chfs.ky.gov/Resources/Related%20Resources%20Library/Kentucky%20Benefits%20Flyer.pdf)

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This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from Public News Service - Kentucky, enriched with 3 web searches. The original source is available at https://app.publicnewsservice.org/story/more-kentucky-foster-kids-take-advantage-of-college-aid-tool/7d2fb685-8838-4bea-b74f-491032e51bad.