Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the MODIFY program a placement agency?

  No, the MODIFY program is not a placement agency. MODIFY provides resources and funding specifically to meet the education and training needs of eligible former foster youth of WV. However, the MODIFY program can take over Independent Living (IL) subsidies from the Department of Human Services (DoHS) for eligible youth after the youth’s first successful semester or school year within the program.

• Is the schooling free with MODIFY’s services and funding?

  No, all schooling is not free with the services and funding of the MODIFY program. Our funding helps to close the gap between the Cost of Attendance through the school and the financial aid award package accepted by the youth. The max award that could be awarded is up to $5,000 per school year (July 1st to June 30th).

• Does the MODIFY program help to purchase cars?

  No. MODIFY program helps to distribute Education and Training Voucher (ETV) funds that are used to help pay for tuition, room/board, textbooks, school supplies and other costs associated with the Cost of Attendance while attending a WV college, university or Pell-approved certificate program.

• Do youth have to make the decision at the age of 18 to participate in the MODIFY program?

  No. Once the youth has met the requirements for the MODIFY program services and funding, then those benefits are saved up until prior to turning 23. Benefits can be extended up until the age of 26 IF the youth is already enrolled in the MODIFY program, making progress towards completing their education, and hasn’t already completed their bachelor’s degree or certification by the age of 23.

• Will a youth need to accept loans while receiving the MODIFY program’s assistance and funding?

  The need for loans should be reviewed with their MODIFY specialist before a youth should decide to accept loans. If a youth were to accept loans that were not required, then this could impact their Education and Training Voucher (ETV) funds or possibly stop ETV funding for the semester or school year. Youth should always touch base with their workers before accepting loans that may not be necessary resulting in the youth paying them back later on their own. Our program strives to help find all the appropriate financial aid to try avoiding the need for loans.

• Is the FC-18 required if a youth is receiving the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) funds?

  No, an FC-18 or Voluntary Placement Agreement is not required to access ETV funds.

• Will the youth receive all the $5,000 Education and Training Voucher (ETV) funds directly?

  Most of the funding provided through ETV funds is paid directly to the school or other vendors (i.e. bookstores) for tuition and other education expenses. The actual amount of funds a youth is eligible to receive each school year will be determined based of the need from the Cost of Attendance and financial aid award package. The max award that could be offered each school year is up to $5,000 while the youth continue to maintain eligibility.

• Will the MODIFY program assist with paying for more than one degree or certificate?

  Education and Training Voucher (ETV) funds will be made available to eligible youth until the youth completes their first bachelor's degree or certification, receive 5 years of funding or turns 26 (whichever comes first). ETV funds cannot assist with a second certification or a master’s degree.

• Does a youth need to attend a WV college, university or Pell-approved certificate program to receive the benefits from the MODIFY program?

  Yes, youth would need to attend a WV college, university or Pell-approved certificate program to receive Education and Training Voucher (ETV) funds. Generally, out-of-state schools and private institutions will not be approved. Only in those cases where it can be demonstrated that an out-of-state or private program is less costly than a comparable in-state program may the situation be approved. This approval must be given by the Foster Care Program Specialist at Department of Human Services. The assigned MODIFY specialist can assist with making this request with the youth.

• Does MODIFY provide services and funding to youth no longer living in WV?

  Generally, out-of-state schools and private institutions will not be approved. Only in those cases where it can be demonstrated that an out-of-state or private program is less costly than a comparable in-state program may the situation be approved. This approval must be given by the Foster Care Program Specialist at Department of Human Services (DoHS). Additionally, if a youth is eligible for an FC-18 or Voluntary Placement Agreement with DoHS and moves out of state, then Independent Living assistance could no longer be offered.