Services and Eligibility

Download the MODIFY Chafee Education and Training Voucher handout

Who Qualifies for the MODIFY Program?

The following WV foster youth would be eligible to receive services through the MODIFY program:

• WV foster youth that had an Adoption through the Department of Human Services after the age of 16, OR
• WV foster youth that had a Legal Guardianship through the Department of Human Services after the age of 16, OR
• WV foster youth that turned 18 in a foster care placement and in the custody of the Department of Human Services, AND
• Has applied or been accepted to WV college, university, or Pell approved certificate program, AND
• Has applied for the appropriate FAFSA application, AND
• Completed, or near completion, of their high school education.

What benefits are offered through the MODIFY program to eligible current or former foster youth of WV?

Eligible youth will receive up to $5,000 per school year (while maintaining program compliance for funding) of Education and Training Voucher (ETV) funds until ONE of the following occurs:

• Youth complete their certificate or bachelor’s degree,
• Youth receive 5 years of funding, OR
• Youth turn the age of 26.

What do the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) funds help to cover?

ETV funds can help to cover the following costs, in order, based on funding availability:

• Tuition and fees (priority)
• Educational supplies, such as textbooks and supplies
• Clothing or special equipment required for classes
• Computer or specific software required for classes
• Transportation cost (with limitations)
• Other educational support needs

Does the MODIFY Program have deadlines for referrals and required documentation?

Yes, the MODIFY program has the following deadlines to help ensure that all paperwork and tasks are completed prior to the start of the semester to help with a smoother transition into the youth’s education.

• Fall Semester Enrollment
  • Referral deadline: June 1
  • All paperwork in: July 1
• Spring Semester Enrollment
  • Referral deadline: Oct. 1
  • All paperwork in: Nov. 1
• Summer Session Enrollment
  • Referral deadline: Mar. 1
  • All paperwork in: Apr. 1

What required documents are necessary to open services through the MODIFY Program?

The MODIFY Program requires the following documentation before services can be offered through the program:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Appropriate FAFSA completed with verification
• Acceptance letter to a WV college, university, or Pell approved certificate program
• Student ID number
• FERPA completed or Proxy access successfully set up through the school
• MODIFY intake scheduled
• Completed MODIFY intake documents

Do eligible youth have certain requirements to maintain once they are in the program to continue funding each semester?

Yes, youth will be required to maintain the following requirements each semester to continue funding and maintain compliance with the program:

• Monthly contact with their MODIFY Community Support Specialist
• 2.0 GPA (semesterly, not just cumulative)
• 80% completion rate (semesterly, not just cumulative)
• FAFSA eligibility through the institution
• Maintain full-time status to comply with productivity hour requirements