Services and Eligibility

Download the Overview of MODIFY Services fact sheet

Youth who had a finalized legal guardianship/adoption through Department of Human Services (DoHS) after the age of 16 and are ready to start school at a WV college, university or Pell-approved certificate program may qualify for:

• Education and Training Voucher funds (up to $5,000/school year) until they complete their first certificate or bachelor’s degree, receive 5 years of funding or turn the age of 26
• Foster Care Tuition Waiver for up to 4 years
• Youth can apply up until the age of 23 to receive services until the age of 26 if the youth is actively enrolled and making progress in their education by the age of 23*

Youth who age out of foster care placement and are ready to attend at a WV college, university or Pell-approved certificate program may qualify for:

• Foster Care Tuition Waiver for up to 4 years
• Education and Training Voucher funds (up to $5,000/school year) until they complete their first certificate or bachelor’s degree, receive 5 years of funding or turn the age of 26
• Youth can apply up until the age of 23 to receive services until the age of 26 if the youth is actively enrolled and making progress in their education by the age of 23*
• Independent Living startup funds and subsidies may be available for dorm and apartment living after the first successful semester or school year – these services end at the age of 23

Maintaining eligibility:

• Complete 80 percent of enrolled credit hours each semester
• Maintain a 2.0 GPA
• Maintain FAFSA eligibility through the school
• Verification of enrollment, tuition, fees and midterm and final grades via completed proxy or signed FERPA consent
• Maintain monthly contact with your worker via emails, texts, calls or visits
• Be engaged in at least 40 hours per week of productive activity related to transition

Making a referral (see deadlines above):

• Apply within six months of high school graduation or obtaining a high school equivalency
• Apply up until the age of 23 to receive services until the age of 26 if the youth is actively enrolled and making progress in their education by the age of 23*
• To make a referral, call 1-866-720-3605 or use our online referral form

*Education and Training Voucher (ETV) funds can be continued until the age of 26 so long as the youth is already enrolled in the MODIFY program, is making progress in obtaining their education, has not received 5 years of assistance, and has not completed their bachelor's degree or certification.

MODIFY is being presented with financial assistance as a grant from the West Virginia Department of Human Services. All printed materials are made available in braille, electronic format, CD and large print.

WVU is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution.