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  • Expanding Access to College Success

The Foster Youth College Success Initiative at SUNY

The Foster Youth College Success Initiative (FYCSI) helps students from foster backgrounds succeed in college with generous financial aid and other supports. 

If you think you are eligible to benefit from this program, find your campus contact and sign up today.

Find Your Campus FYCSI Contact

NEW:
SUNY Providing $1,000 Grants to Students from Foster Backgrounds

On top of the FYSCI benefits, SUNY is offering an additional $1,000 grant through May 2023 to every eligible student who is not already receiving benefits to work with their campus financial aid teams to complete the process.

Read the full announcement

Male student laughs behind open laptop in lecture hall.

How does FYCSI work?

First, students who may be eligible need to self-identify to enroll and receive aid.

Once enrolled in the Foster Youth College Success Initiative (FYCSI) – a state-funded program – college-enrolled and college-bound youth receive financial assistance that, in addition to TAP and Pell, covers most if not all of their academic costs. 

FYCSI supports include, but are not limited to:
  • Tuition and fees
  • Meals and housing, including recess/intersession housing
  • Books and supplies
  • Transportation
  • Advisement, tutoring and academic support
  • Personal expenses
  • Additional services and academic supports are made available for eligible youth in care who enroll at SUNY through the Educational Opportunity Program

Who Is Eligible for the
Foster Youth College Success Initiative?

All students – regardless of immigration status – are eligible to access funding and resources through FYCSI, if they meet the eligibility criteria defined below:

  • Are currently a resident of New York State;
  • Became a foster youth, orphan or ward of the court at any time after their 13th birthday. Students will have to present official documentation from the family court, a school official, a caseworker, or a foster care agency or death certificates in order to confirm they are/were a foster youth, orphaned or a ward of the court; and
  • Are admitted and enrolled in a SUNY college or university.
Asian female student smiles in front of a ferris wheel with Stony Brook logo painted on her cheek.

How Do I Sign Up for the Foster Youth College Success Initiative?

Current and prospective SUNY students who believe they meet the eligibility criteria should contact their campus Financial Aid Office or the campus’ FYCSI liaison to self-identify. Campuses will work with the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) which will make all final decisions on eligibility.

Find Your Campus FYCSI Contact