One issue foster kids often have when they "age out" of foster care is a lack of financial support. They typically must go straight to work to support themselves, and it's a tough battle to find a way to pay for higher education on their own. Some kids turn to illegal means to support themselves, unfortunately.
The Colorado Education and Training Voucher Program offers funds to current and former foster kids to help them to attend colleges, universities and vocational training institutions. Up to $5000 is available annually for four years for higher education purposes. The funds may be used for tuition, books or qualified living expenses. These funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis to students out of the Colorado foster care system.
You can learn more about the program here. There are also other programs and organizations that help foster kids in need, such as Realities for Children and Kid Power! If you are a current or former foster child -- or know one -- who needs help that isn't provided by the county you live in, ask a county caseworker for a list of resources that might be of use for your situation.
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