EmpowerEd and FosterEd Programs
At Colorado State University Pueblo, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to pursue higher education—regardless of their personal or financial background. The EmpowerEd and FosterEd programs are designed to support Colorado students who have experienced homelessness or foster care by covering remaining educational costs after other forms of financial aid are applied.
These state-funded initiatives help reduce barriers to college access and degree completion, ensuring that students can focus on their academic goals and personal growth without the burden of excessive financial stress.
Both programs are administered by the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) in collaboration with participating colleges and universities, including CSU Pueblo.
EmpowerEd
The EmpowerEd Program provides financial support for Colorado residents who have experienced homelessness, ensuring access to higher education without financial barriers. Students who qualify may receive funding to cover remaining tuition and fees after grants and scholarships are applied.
Eligibility Requirements
- Identified as an unaccompanied homeless youth under the McKinney-Vento Act during grades 9–12.
- Colorado resident at the time of application.
- Between the ages of 17 and 27 as of the start of the academic year.
- Seeking a first bachelor’s, associate, or certificate program.
- Completed the FAFSA or CASFA.
EmpowerEd is designed to remove financial obstacles for students who have faced housing insecurity and are pursuing their first postsecondary credential. Funds can help cover tuition, fees, and educational expenses after other financial aid is applied.
Need Assistance?
For help with eligibility or application questions, contact the Student Financial Services team.
- Office: Administration 212
- Phone: 719-549-2753
- Email: financialaid@csupueblo.edu
FosterEd
The FosterEd Program supports students who have experienced foster care or kinship care in Colorado. This state-funded initiative helps eligible students attend a Colorado public institution tuition-free by covering remaining costs after all federal, state, and institutional aid are applied.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a Colorado resident.
- Placed in foster care or non-certified kinship care in Colorado at age 13 or older.
- Enrolled in a certificate, associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degree program at a Colorado public institution.
- Must complete the FAFSA or CASFA.
- Self-identify with the financial aid office or designated FosterEd liaison.
FosterEd provides a pathway to higher education for Colorado foster youth, removing financial barriers and encouraging degree completion. Students may receive funds to cover tuition, mandatory fees, and other educational expenses that remain after grants and scholarships are applied.
There is no age limit for eligibility, and students may continue to receive support as long as they remain enrolled and meet program requirements.
Education & Training Voucher (ETV)
FosterEd students may also qualify for the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program, which provides additional financial support for foster youth and former foster youth between ages 17 and 25.
Learn About ETVNeed Help?
The Student Financial Services team is available to assist with eligibility verification, application support, and financial aid planning.
- Office: Administration 212
- Phone: 719-549-2753
- Email: financialaid@csupueblo.edu
