Nevada Former Foster Youth Initiative

The Nevada Board of Regents provides a waiver of certain fees for former Nevada foster youth who meet eligibility requirements.

Initial requirements:

1. In foster care in Nevada at the age of 13 years or older;
2. Graduated from high school and meets the minimum entry requirements for the University of Nevada, Reno;
3. Completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); and
4. Under the age of 26 years.

Continuing eligibility:

1. Complete the FAFSA each year; and
2. Satisfactory academic progress –Students who meet the initial eligibility requirements are required to meet Title IV financial aid satisfactory academic progress requirements at their institution for continuing eligibility.

For general questions regarding the Former Foster Youth Fee Waiver, please email nvfosterwaiver@unr.edu.

Fostering the Pack

Fostering the Pack is a student support program designed for University of Nevada, Reno students eligible for the NSHE Former Foster Youth fee waiver. Fostering the Pack, funded through a grant from the Walter S. Johnson Foundation, is free for program participants and offers the same wraparound services as First in the Pack, as well some additional benefits.

Students actively participating in the Fostering the Pack program are eligible to receive:

• A $500 housing stipend each semester
• Campus food cards
• Basic needs supply packages
• Textbook and academic supply assistance
• Access to our Laptop Check-Out Program

To stay active in the program and continue receiving these benefits, participants must:

• Attend the mandatory Fostering the Pack orientation, and
• Meet with their academic coach three times per semester, and
• Attend one social event or co-curricular workshop hosted by the First-Generation Student Center per semester

If you believe you may qualify for the NSHE Former Foster Youth fee waiver, please contact James Beattie at jbeattie@unr.edu.