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Colleen C. Davis
State Treasurer


A$PIRE529



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Delaware Aspire529 is a pilot program for youth experiencing or aging out of the foster care system to help them pay for expenses related to college or vocational training. The annual awards of $529 are available to 20 qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.

Aspire529 was created by the Office of State Treasurer Colleen Davis and approved by the Delaware Plans Management Board. Aspire529 aims to help foster youth overcome financial barriers that may prevent them from seeking higher education. An award may be used towards accompanying costs associated with obtaining a degree such as books and school supplies, materials required for skills training, transportation costs, and childcare.

Youth who meet the eligibility requirements may submit one application per academic year.

The ASPIRE529 application window for 2023 has closed.

 Questions? Send email to Treasury_Aspire529@delaware.gov


Eligibility Requirements for ASPIRE529

Program Limits for ASPIRE529

 

Award Conditions for ASPIRE529


                     Learn more about ASPIRE529 on this episode of “CASA Delaware Live!” with                                     Deputy Treasurer Jordan Seemans

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Sign up for alerts about ASPIRE529


Financial Literacy Education

Recipients will acquire the knowledge and skills to build responsible financial behavior by learn basic savings and budgeting skills. The Office of the State Treasurer partnered with $tand By Me, a state-funded partnership between Delaware Health and Social Services and United Way, to provide a practical financial literacy course to complement the award. Each recipient will participate in two free, one-on-one financial coaching sessions from trained, skilled professionals. Additionally, recipients will learn how to open a bank account if they do not already have one and learn the necessary skills to manage their personal finances.


Additional Resources

ASPIRE529 – The World is Yours

Scholarships for Youth Who Have Experienced Foster Care

Foster Care Tuition Waiver Program

Kind to Kids Foundation


News and Information

Program to Help Foster Youth Pursue Higher Education 5-31-22

Treasurer Davis speaks with WDEL’s Peter MacArthur about the new initiative to help foster youth pursue higher education. 6-1-22

A new program is set to help fostered youth pursue higher education – WMDT – 6-1-22

Former Foster Youth Get Help to Further Education 11-3-22

 



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