FORMER FOSTER & ADOPTED AGGIES
The Former Foster and Adopted Aggie Program (FFAA) at Texas A&M University empowers foster care alumni through offering resources, support, and skill development to promote holistic success.
Melanie McKoin Owens, Case Manager and Foster Care Liaison within Student Assistance Services, is the primary contact for former foster and adopted Aggies. The FFAA program encompasses all support services, resources, and programmatic efforts that support foster care alumni. The term foster care alumni includes students who aged out of the system or were adopted. We can provide students with information and advice on financial aid, tuition fees and exemptions, on and off-campus living options, transportation, health care, campus employment and other available campus and community services.
Student Assistance Services houses the Supervised Independent Living (SIL) program at Texas A&M.
The FFAA program utilizes the financial support and donations from Former Students, Aggie Moms, and community members. If you would like to help support a student or provide funds towards the programmatic needs, contact Melanie McKoin Owens at melaniem@studentlife.tamu.edu.
Donations made to Student Assistance Services can be made to the Student Life department general fund held by the Texas A&M Foundation and in the memo line write Student Assistance Services. Funds will be used to support students who are in need of resources to support their personal and academic matters such as textbooks, food and toiletries.
For more information, call 979.845.3113, email melaniem@studentlife.tamu.edu, or visit our office at the Student Services Building, Suite 209.
RESOURCES FOR FORMER FOSTER AND ADOPTED AGGIES
GETTING AROUND CAMPUS
TAMU Transportation
Transportation and Parking Services offers a variety of options for either traveling to campus, traveling around campus, or navigating into the community. Visit online or call 979.845.9700 to learn more about all the features and services they offer to Texas A&M students.
Aggie Spirit Bus
Transportation Services operates the Aggie Spirit bus system. For information, you can visit them online or call 979.847.7433. Download the TAMU Mobile App to see bus route maps and real-time schedules.
Texas A&M Bicycles
Cycling is very popular around campus. Transportation Services provides detailed information about cycling rules and regulations. You will find helpful information regarding bike registration, the Borrow-a-Bike initiative, leasing bikes, and updates to the bike program.
Texas A&M Car Share
Transportation Services has partnered with Zipcar to offer car services. With Zipcar you can rent a car by the hour or day to fit your need.
FINANCIAL AID AND JOBS
Texas A&M Financial Aid
Financial Aid and Scholarships can help you with any funding needs or questions. You can meet with a financial advisor by visiting their office on the 2nd floor of the Pavilion or by calling 979.845.3236.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
Casey Family Programs│Coca Cola Scholars│College Board│Fast Web│FinAid│Gates Millennium Scholarships│Harry S. Truman Scholarship│Jackie Robinson Foundation│National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering│SmartScholar│TELACU│United Negro College Fund│ Xerox Technology – search for Technical Minority Scholarship Program
Texas A&M Student Employment
Student Employment Office
The Student Employment office in the Department of Student Financial Aid can assist students with a job-search process for on-campus, off-campus, and work-study positions. Working on-campus is a great way to attend class and learn more about campus while at the same time earning some extra money. In addition, Texas A&M employers typically offer flexible employment schedules that allow Aggie students to schedule work and classes concurrently.
Residence Life Employment Opportunities
Residence Life hires student assistance to help facilitate daily operations, assist students within the halls, and help maintain the facilities. They offer a flexible work environment where your academic success takes priority.
LIVING ON OR OFF CAMPUS
Living on Campus
Residence Life offers a variety of convenient living arrangements designed to give you an incredible on-campus living experience. Visit online or call 979.845.4744 or toll-free at 888.451.3896 for more information on available housing options.
AggieSearch
Looking for a place to live off-campus? Try AggieSearch, the on-line searchable database of community housing options.
HEALTH CARE SERVICES
Student Health Services
Student Health Services located at A.P. Beutel, offers a variety of medical services. Whether you are feeling under the weather or are needing a specific service, as a student you have access to Student Health Services. You can learn more by visiting online or by calling 979.458.8379.
Student Health Services also offers a 24-hour Dial-A-Nurse hotline. The number can be found on the back of your student I.D. and you may call at any time.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
CAPS provides short-term counseling and crisis intervention, as well as academic and career services, to all Aggie students. CAPS staff incorporate into practice awareness, respect, and valuing of cultural differences. You can schedule appointments online or by calling 979.845.4427.
CAPS also offers after-hours help through the HelpLine. Dial 979.845.2700 to speak with a trained staff member after hours.
Disability Resources
Disability Services provides services to students with disabilities to ensure accessibility to university programs. This office offers accommodations counseling, evaluation, referral, disability-related information, adaptive technology counseling and equipment, and interpreter services for academically related purposes. Visit online or speak with an access coordinator by calling 979.845.1637.
Texas A&M Psychology Clinic
Texas A&M Psychology Clinic off campus does mental health screenings (intakes) on a sliding scale fee. Contact 979.595.1770 for more information. Additionally, they offer counseling services at their clinic on campus 979.845.8021.
GETTING AROUND B/CS
Brazos Transit District
The Brazos Transit District is the public transportation provided for Bryan/College Station and several other cities in the region. For general routes and fare information, visit online or call 1.800.272.0039.
Aggie Spirit Bus
The Aggie Spirit Bus operates off-campus as well. For information about off-campus routes, visit online, call 979.847.7433, or download the TAMU Mobile App to see bus route maps and real time schedules.
COMMUNITY JOBS
Brazos Valley Workforce Solutions
The Workforce Solutions home page will provide insight into the B/CS job market. Visit the Job Seekers tab on the Workforce Solutions website to gain assistance with job searching and resources.
B/CS HOUSING
Living Off-Campus
Former-foster students wishing to live off-campus should be aware that some apartment complexes require a lease guarantor if they believe a prospective tenant may not meet certain financial qualifications. A guarantor is someone who can support the claim that you are legally and financially responsible to sign a leasing agreement. The guarantor is also equally responsible and liable for any settlements (charges for rent, damages, etc.) that you agreed to pay through your rental agreement.
Lease agreements usually require that the guarantor must be a U.S. citizen and must also provide their own employment information; credit and rental history, address and phone number as part of the application.
AggieSearch
These are services provided by Texas A&M to support off campus housing. Please refer back to the information for Housing under Services at Texas A&M University for more information.
Brazos Valley Council of Governments Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federally-funded program that helps provide housing assistance to low-income families. Check online to see if you qualify or contact Karla Flanagan at 979.595.2801 Ext. 2081 or email, karla.flanagan@bvcog.org
HEALTH CARE
TMPH Health Provider Search
Texas Medicad and Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) is a group of contractors under the leadership of Accenture. Accenture administers Texas Medicaid and other state health-care programs on behalf of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. TMHP will allow you to search for a doctor, hospital, or other participating health care provided that accepts Texas Medicaid insurance.
Texas Medicaid Program
If you are 21 or older, the Texas Medicaid Program Client Hotline can provide information on Medicaid benefits, lists of Medicaid providers, health plans, and other general information, including the process for filing complaints about Medicaid health care providers or health plans. For more information, call toll free 800.252.8263, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST.
Texas Health Steps
Texas HealthSteps coordinates free medical and dental checkups to people under age 21 who have Medicaid. Eligible treatments for transportation include:
- eye exams
- shots
- glasses
- case management
- hearing tests
- health advice
For more information, visit online or call 1.877.847.8377.
Brazos County Health Department
The Brazos County Health Department provides health services and resources including and adult health clinic, Immunization clinic, Sexually Transmitted Infection clinic and more! Visit online or call 979.361.4440 for more information.
Mental Health Mental Retardation Authority (MHMR)
MHMR has walk in assessments for currently $10. They are located at 1504 S. Texas Ave., Bryan, Tx. 979.822.6467. For after hour emergencies, weekends, and holidays call 979.361.9815.
Dial 2-1-1
Call 2-1-1 for access to information about health and human services in the Bryan/College Station community. If you are calling from outside the state of Texas or have technical difficulties dialing 2-1-1, please dial the toll free alternate access number at 877.541.7905.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Brazos Valley Community Action Agency, Inc.
BVCAA has many resources available through their agency ranging from affordable housing and utility assistance to health and wellness programs. For more information please check out their website under "programs" and "resources" or call them at 979.846.1100.
SNAP Food Benefits
Students who take part in a State or federally financed work study program or who work at least 20 hours a week may be eligible for SNAP food benefits.
Voices for Children CASA of Brazos Valley
Voices for Children currently has a mentoring program called UP. The Unlimited Potential Program is a new program developed by Voices for Children, Inc. to empower current and former foster youth ages 16 and older to reach their full potential through education, individualized support, and integration with community members and community resources.
Texas Youth Hotline
The Texas Youth Hotline helps young adults under 21 years of age who have aged out of the foster care system locate services available in their communities. Contact the statewide hotline at 800.210.2278 for telephone counseling and information and referrals.
Unlimited Potential (UP) Mentoring Program
UP’s mission is to empower transitioning foster youth through programs that offer individualized support, education, and community resources to become fully independent young adults. UP serves youth 18-25 who have aged out of the foster care system.
LifeWorks
LifeWorks strives to accomplish three core goals: 1) everyone deserves a home, 2) everyone deserves to work, and 3) everyone deserves a chance to heal. Through a variety of programs and outreach services, LifeWorks is committed to making a difference.
Foster Angels
Foster Angels provides immediate assistance to foster children in the form of basic needs (clothing, food, beds, medical expenses, transportation, education) and life-enhancing experiences (birthday parties, camp, sports and the arts).
REGION 7 INFORMATION
Brazos County is located within DFPS's Region 7 in the E. Central District. The central PAL office is located in Austin. For information regarding PAL regions and contact information visit the DFPS website.
FINANCIAL BENEFITS
You will be able to access your financial benefits by contacting your PAL Coordinator:
Pal Coordinator by Region
Adoption Specialist
Transitional Living Allowance (TLA)
TLA is accessed through your State PAL Coordinator. If you completed your PAL classes, you may be eligible to receive TLA for up 2 years from leaving care.. You must be working or in school to access your TLA.
Aftercare Room and Board (ACRB)
ARCB can be used for rent, utility bills, and/or food cards. A student can receive up to $3,000 in care. You may be eligible for ACRB after you leave care until you are 21 years old. Contact your State PAL Coordinator for more details.
EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS
Educational benefits will be accessed through several different places listed under each category. These benefits are to assist you financially with your educational goals after high school.
Tuition and Fee Waiver
The state of Texas provides youth who have aged out of care* (* there are other caveats) with a waiver that covers tuition and fees for any state-funded
This applies to public institutions of higher education such as Texas A&M, community colleges, or state vocational schools. This does not include private schools. To access the Tuition and Fee Waiver, contact your State PAL Coordinator or Student Assistance Services.
Education and Training Voucher (ETV)
The ETV is to help offset any extra bills you may have as a student. The amount awarded is up to $5000 a school year. To apply you will need to fill out the initial application and then submit specific documents by the due dates. For more information go to discoverbcfs.net/texasetv.
Pell Grant
When completing your Financial Aid application (FAFSA) make sure to mark that you were a ward of the state to qualify for the full Pell Grant. You can complete your FAFSA at studentaid.gov.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Transitional Medicaid
People who were in foster care on their 18th birthday and are now age 18 through 20 may receive Medicaid. For more information, call 2-1-1, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central Time.