The Minnesota Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program provides funds to help foster youth pay for post-secondary education. The money does not need to be paid back.
If a returning ETV student, you must be making progress in completing your education.
You can use ETV funds for five years of post-secondary education.
You must attend an orientation before you can use your ETV money. Details about orientation will be in your ETV award letter.
If you apply to a Fostering Independence Grant Participating College or University and answer yes on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the question have you been in foster care at age 13 or older, you are automatically considered for ETV. No application is needed. If you apply to a school that is not a Fostering Independence Grant Participating College or University, you must submit an ETV application to be considered for an ETV award. Submit an ETV application between July 1 and April 1 each year you need money for school. Attach the following to the online application:
After awarded ETV funds, all first time ETV students must attend an orientation session to meet ETV staff and find out how to use their funds. Information on orientation sessions will be included in your award letter.
If you have questions contact the Minnesota Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program coordinator, Paul Minehart at 651-431-6059 or email the Minnesota ETV coordinator.
Your post-secondary school may want to verify your foster care placement or guardianship status to establish eligibility for independent status. Form DHS-5705-ENG (Minnesota foster care placement verification for post-secondary schools form) is for county or tribal social services and other agency staff to verify foster care placement, or guardianship status. This form is not needed to apply for ETV funds.