Oregon’s Chafee Education and Training Voucher supports current and former foster youth pursuing postsecondary education or training. Potentially eligible students include those still in care; those with at least 180 days in care after age 13 who exited at age 14 or older; or those adopted or placed in guardianship after age 13 under the program’s date rule. Applicants must be 25 or younger.
The process requires FAFSA and a separate online Chafee application. If foster care was in another state, Oregon recommends applying through that state; if applying in Oregon, an official letter documenting entry and exit dates and other details is required. Eligibility is verified by the Department of Human Services Independent Living Program.
The 2026–27 application is open, with term deadlines: winter 2027 on November 1, 2026; spring on February 1; and summer on May 1. The page retains an older paragraph mentioning 2025–26 and a $5,000 cap for that year, so that amount should not be presented as current for 2026–27. The college calculates the award based on need, enrollment, and other aid.
Students who change schools must update the OSAC portal because transferring funds between campuses can take time. The grant is sent to the college and calculated after other aid; contact financial aid before the first term to learn when it will post. The state asks applicants to respond quickly to document requests.
Before applying, confirm that the school and program participate, check cycle requirements and dates, keep a copy and submission receipt, and ask how the award coordinates with FAFSA and other benefits. Do not budget funds that have not been awarded.
When comparing options, identify whether the benefit is a scholarship, grant, tuition exemption, or loan: not all aid must be repaid or applies to the same charges. Ask the college for a written estimate after FAFSA and other awards, check renewal and academic-progress rules, and do not accept a loan thinking it is a scholarship.
Read the program profile and the federal FAFSA guide; confirm with the administrator how the aid coordinates.
Chafee Education and Training Voucher Program — Oregon Student Aid / HECC.
Other State Chafee Grant Contacts — U.S. Children’s Bureau.
Guide checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Cycles, funding, and eligibility can change; confirm the cycle for your academic year with the administrator and your school financial-aid office.
Confirm eligibility, current terms, and application steps with the official source before relying on aid for college costs.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Chafee Education and Training Voucher Program
Oregon’s Chafee Education and Training Voucher supports current and former foster youth pursuing postsecondary education or training. Potentially eligible students include those still in care; those with at least 180 days in care after age 13 who exited at age 14 or older; or those adopted or placed in guardianship after age 13 under the program’s date rule. Applicants must be 25 or younger.
College scholarship and financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Oregon Student Aid / HECC · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
U.S. Children’s Bureau · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official program information and application ↗
Primary source
Oregon Student Aid / HECC · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Chafee Education and Training Voucher Program ↗
Primary source
U.S. Children’s Bureau · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.