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.
Kathryn Mathes, Case Manager and Foster Care Liaison within Student Life, 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.
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 Kathryn Mathes.
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 ETV Program page on the DFPS website.
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.
SUPERVISED INDEPENDENT LIVING
The Supervised Independent Living (SIL) program is a partnership between Texas A&M University and the Department of Family and Protective Services. Beginning spring 2020, foster care alumni who age out of the foster care system and voluntarily extend back into care are eligible for the SIL program. Ultimately, the SIL program will provide an experience that promotes holistic development, monitoring individual progression.
Benefits of enrolling in SIL
- Weekly structured access to a staff member to address needs, concerns, and developmental opportunities
- A daily rate that helps pay for housing and meals
- A $90 monthly allowance to help pay for a phone and other incidental charges
Mission
To empower foster alumni to succeed at Texas A&M and transition successfully into independence through actively engaging with academic and personal support services provided by Texas A&M University and the B/CS community.
Vision
To strive to increase graduation rates by providing skill development, so that supervised independent living transitions to successful independent living, where students are readily equipped with tools for personal and academic success.
For more information about the SIL program or to learn about your eligibility for the SIL program, contact Kathryn Mathes or visit our office at the Student Services Building, Suite 209.
KNOW YOUR RESOURCES
Learn more about the resources available through Student Life, on-campus, and in the community.
KNOW YOUR RESOURCES
Learn more about the resources available through Student Life, on-campus, and in the community.
DONATIONS
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, contact Kathryn Mathes or visit our office at the Student Services Building, Suite 209.