News & Events Archives

Spring 2022 ETV 

November 1, 2021 -  SHAKATown open to receive ETV Applications 

January 10, 2022 - Last day to file a completed application,["completed" means application information and ALL the required documents]. 

Awards based on need – up to $5,000.00 per year for full-time students and up to $2,500 for part-time students.

You can file an ETV application even if you participate in another DHS program, like Imua Kakou (Extended Foster Care)! and Extended Assistance (AA/PA)! or Higher Ed !

Not sure if you might be eligible? File an application and DHS will figure out if you are eligible.

Basic eligibility criteria:

• AGE: 18 through 25
  • Aged / transitioned out of DHS Foster Care at 18 or older
  • Adopted at age 16 or older
  • Legal guardianship to a kin at age 16 or older
  • Attending an accredited institution of higher education
  • Filed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Making satisfactory progress [“C” or better] – specifically not on FAFSA academic suspension/ probation
  • Budget is reasonable and for allowable cost of attendance

FALL 2021 ETV 

May 1, 2021 -  SHAKATown open to receive ETV Applications 

August 20, 2021  Last day to file a completed application,["completed" means application information and ALL the required documents]. 

September 29, 2021 – ETV benefit checks issued on or about this date

Awards based on need – up to $5,000.00 per year.

You can file an ETV application even if you participate in another DHS program, like Imua Kakou (Extended Foster Care)! and Extended Assistance (AA/PA)! or Higher Ed ! 

Not sure if you might be eligible? File an application and DHS will figure out if you are eligible.

Basic eligibility criteria: 

• AGE: 18 – 26
• Aged / transitioned out of DHS Foster Care at 18 or older
• Adopted at age 16 or older
• Legal guardianship to a relative at age 16 or older
• Attending an accredited institution of higher education – or unable to do so because of COVID19
• Filed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Making satisfactory progress [“C” or better] – specifically not on FAFSA academic suspension / probation – or unable to do so because of COVID19
• Budget is reasonable and for allowable cost of attendance – or contains other costs related to or caused by the COVID19 emergency.

SPECIAL INFORMATION related to additional funds and the COVID19 Emergency

The federal Consolidated Appropriations Act, also referred to as the COVID relief and spending package, was passed by Congress in December 2020.  Part of this Act has focused on providing temporary flexible support to help protect vulnerable youth and young adults impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill provides emergency support and temporary flexibility for the Education and Training Voucher program through September 30, 2021, by temporarily changing the eligibility and awarding requirements for the Chafee Education and Training Voucher (ETV). ETV can now be awarded to students who might not have qualified before. These changes are effective through September 2021.  The temporary flexibility includes increased funding for ETV recipients, including those who were enrolled in the Fall 2019 & Spring 2020 semesters and those applying for the current academic year.

• The requirement that the applicant be enrolled and making satisfactory academic progress may be waived, if young people are unable to meet the requirement due to the pandemic.
• Chafee ETV Grant funds can pay up to $12,000 per student, including costs other than Cost of Attendance, to help students to remain in school. Young adults may still be eligible for funds even if they had to leave college or a training program due to COVID. Costs for basic needs like food, housing, and transportation, as well as supplies (laptop, internet, paper) can be covered under this grant.
• Young people through age 26 (up to 27th birthday)  may be eligible for Chafee ETV Grant funds, even if they had to leave college due to COVID-19, they may still be eligible for funds. [For the period 10/1/2019 through 09/30/21]

SHAKATown Application for Retroactive ETV benefits

To help support transitioning youth and young adults, the federal government has authorized some temporary changes to the rules for Education and Training Vouchers (ETV) that may make you eligible for some retroactive ETV benefits [from October 2019 through June 30, 2021]  for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years.

You may be eligible for benefits if:

You were 26 years old between 10/1/2019 and 9/30/2021 and:

• The COVID-19 public health emergency:
  • prevented you from enrolling in a post-secondary education or training program, or
  • prevented you from making satisfactory progress to completing that program. (4-1-20 to 9-30-21)
  • You had expenses that are not part of the usual cost-of-attendance for ETV between 4-1-20 to 9-30-21) Examples:  Additional expenses because you didn’t have regular child care, school closed its classroom instruction and you had more expenses for internet, were quarantined, had no usual transportation;
    • You received an ETV benefit between October 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 that was less than $12,000;
    • You had expenses related to education that were more than the ETV award amount you received between October 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021.

The SHAKATown ETV application is being modified to allow youth to apply for retroactive benefits. Although this COVID portion of the application will probably not be available until June 2021, please start you application now. The new portion will appear in your application as soon as it ready and then you can also complete that portion if you are requesting additional funds.

Spring 2021 ETV 

November 20, 2020 -  SHAKATown open to receive ETV Applications 

January 8, 2021 - Last day to file a completed application,["completed" means application information and ALL the required documents]. 

Awards based on need – up to $5,000.00 per year for full-time students and up to $2,500 for part-time students.

You can file an ETV application even if you participate in another DHS program, like Imua Kakou (Extended Foster Care)! and Extended Assistance (AA/PA)! or Higher Ed !

Not sure if you might be eligible? File an application and DHS will figure out if you are eligible.

Basic eligibility criteria:

• AGE: 18 through 25
  • Aged / transitioned out of DHS Foster Care at 18 or older
  • Adopted at age 16 or older
  • Legal guardianship to a kin at age 16 or older
  • Attending an accredited institution of higher education
  • Filed & received determination on Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Making satisfactory progress [“C” or better] – not on FAFSA academic suspension/ probation
  • Budget is reasonable and for allowable cost of attendance

Spring 2021 ETV 

November 1, 2020 -  SHAKATown open to receive ETV Applications 

January 10, 2021 - Last day to file a completed application,["completed" means application information and ALL the required documents]. 

Awards based on need – up to $5,000.00 per year for full-time students and up to $2,500 for part-time students.

You can file an ETV application even if you participate in another DHS program, like Imua Kakou (Extended Foster Care)! and Extended Assistance (AA/PA)! or Higher Ed !

Not sure if you might be eligible? File an application and DHS will figure out if you are eligible.

Basic eligibility criteria:

• AGE: 18 through 25
  • Aged / transitioned out of DHS Foster Care at 18 or older
  • Adopted at age 16 or older
  • Legal guardianship to a kin at age 16 or older
  • Attending an accredited institution of higher education
  • Filed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Making satisfactory progress [“C” or better] – specifically not on FAFSA academic suspension/ probation
  • Budget is reasonable and for allowable cost of attendance

Cash Grants for Up to $1,000 for Current and Former Foster Youth 

Current and Former Foster Youth are disproportionally being affected by COVID-19. Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter, is giving away $1 Billion in response to the pandemic. So far he has given away $236 million. Think of Us is a small nonprofit and does not typically provide this type of support.

What is this and what can a current or former foster youth possibly get?

• This is an application for an opportunity to apply for a one-time micro cash grant of up to $1000 and an email with resources related to your needs. 

What will happen when this fund run out of money?

• We Will Go Above and Beyond - We will share the needs of applicants with additional donors, advocates and other stakeholders who we think can take action to solve your needs. We won't share any of the youth's personal information. If there are resources that they can provide, we will circle right back to you.

How does this work? 

• Eligibility: Current and former foster youth 14 through 29 who have spent at least one day in foster care after their 14th birthday are eligible to apply for up to $1,000 
• Cash Use: This grant is super flexible. We believe that youth know best what they need.
• Getting the Funds: The funds will be delivered via western union, venmo, cashapp, zelle or what what might work best for the youth.
• Deadline and Award: November 18, 2020 is the deadline to apply. Cash Grant will be awarded by December 1st, 2020.

Apply Here

'Ohana is Forever Conference is going VIRTUAL

Aloha!

Are you between the ages of 14 and under 27?

Do you fit one of these categories?

·         I am currently in foster care

·         I turned 18 while in foster care

·         After my 16^th birthday, I was adopted or entered/legal guardianship

(Not sure?  Call 1-844-588-4682 and leave a message with your name and we’ll get back to you)

If YES, you're invited!  We are excited to announce that our annual 'Ohana is Forever Conference is going VIRTUAL on Friday, July 17, 2020 from 9:30am-12pm!

This year’s theme is “2020 Vision: A Fresh Start". Join current and former foster youth and local service providers for inspirational speakers, a workshop just for young people and live entertainment by Johnny Suite. Youth/young adults are also eligible for special giveaways!

Virtual Conference Details

• Friday, July 17, 2020
• 9:30 a.m. - Opening Remarks 
• 9:45 a.m. - Conference begins
• 12:00 p.m. - Conference ends

***The first 90 current and former youth in foster care, who register for and participate in the conference, will receive new Samsung Galaxy (8” Wi-Fi 32GB) tablets.  If the you need the tablet in order to easily participate in the conference program, which will include breakouts for the youth, please let us know as soon as possible and we will make our best effort to get the table to you before the conference date.*** 

PLEASE REGISTER BY JULY 3 (Click on link below to register):

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OIF2020-youth

For those of you who register for the conference, we will send you the link to join the conference online before July 17.

Contact Faye Kimura at  fayek@hawaii.rr.com or (808) 382-7976 if you have any questions. 

This event is principally funded by the Hawai‘i Court Improvement Program and the Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation; supported by the Hawai‘i Department of Human Services,  EPIC ?Ohana, Family Programs Hawaii, and First Circuit Family Court; and coordinated by the William S. Richardson School of Law

FALL 2020 ETV 

May 1, 2020 -  SHAKATown open to receive ETV Applications 

August 14, 2020 - Last day to file a completed application,["completed" means application information and ALL the required documents]. 

September 25, 2020 – ETV benefit checks issued on or about this date

Awards based on need – up to $5,000.00 per year for full-time students and up to $2,500 for part-time students.

You can file an ETV application even if you participate in another DHS program, like Imua Kakou (Extended Foster Care)! and Extended Assistance (AA/PA)! or Higher Ed !

Not sure if you might be eligible? File an application and DHS will figure out if you are eligible.

Basic eligibility criteria:

• AGE: 18 through 25
  • Aged / transitioned out of DHS Foster Care at 18 or older
  • Adopted at age 16 or older
  • Legal guardianship to a kin at age 16 or older
  • Attending an accredited institution of higher education
  • Filed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Making satisfactory progress [“C” or better] – specifically not on FAFSA academic suspension/ probation
  • Budget is reasonable and for allowable cost of attendance

Spring 2020 ETV 

November 1, 2019 -  SHAKATown open to receive ETV Applications 

January 10, 2020 - Last day to file a completed application,["completed" means application information and ALL the required documents]. 

Awards based on need – up to $5,000.00 per year for full-time students and up to $2,500 for part-time students.

You can file an ETV application even if you participate in another DHS program, like Imua Kakou (Extended Foster Care)! and Extended Assistance (AA/PA)! or Higher Ed !

Not sure if you might be eligible? File an application and DHS will figure out if you are eligible.

Basic eligibility criteria:

• AGE: 18 through 25
  • Aged / transitioned out of DHS Foster Care at 18 or older
  • Adopted at age 16 or older
  • Legal guardianship to a kin at age 16 or older
  • Attending an accredited institution of higher education
  • Filed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Making satisfactory progress [“C” or better] – specifically not on FAFSA academic suspension/ probation
  • Budget is reasonable and for allowable cost of attendance

FALL 2019 ETV 

May 1, 2019 -  SHAKATown open to receive ETV Applications 

August 16, 2019 - Last day to file a completed application,["completed" means application information and ALL the required documents]. 

September 23, 2019 – ETV benefit checks issued on or about this date

Awards based on need – up to $5,000.00 per year for full-time students and up to $2,500 for part-time students.

You can file an ETV application even if you participate in another DHS program, like Imua Kakou (Extended Foster Care)! and Extended Assistance (AA/PA)! or Higher Ed !

Not sure if you might be eligible? File an application and DHS will figure out if you are eligible.

Basic eligibility criteria:

• AGE: 18 through 25
  • Aged / transitioned out of DHS Foster Care at 18 or older
  • Adopted at age 16 or older
  • Legal guardianship to a kin at age 16 or older
  • Attending an accredited institution of higher education
  • Filed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Making satisfactory progress [“C” or better] – specifically not on FAFSA academic suspension/ probation
  • Budget is reasonable and for allowable cost of attendance

Manaiakalani Scholarship is now available for the 2019-2020 Academic Year

Eligibility - potential students must meet the following criteria

• Hawai'i resident that will attend UH Maui College
• Demonstrate financial need and barriers/challenges keeping you from attending college
• First time college student or minimal college experience (1 semester maximum)
• Enroll in a minimum of 6 credits, including a mandatory cohort class in Fall 2019

Go to the Manaiakalani website - http://manaiakalani.weebly.com 

University of Hawaii Common Scholarship Application Deadline March 1st

https://youtu.be/cEn0wz6Uhzw

SPRING 2019 ETV Applications NOW OPEN

Timeline:

November 14, 2018      SHAKATown ETV application session opens

January 6, 2019            Last day to file and ETV application –

Application session closes at midnight

January 25, 2019 [on or about]        ETV benefits issued

Awards based on need –

 up to $5,000.00 per year for FULL-TIME students.

up to $2,500.00 per year for PART-TIME students

You can file an ETV application even if you participate in another DHS program, like Imua Kakou (Extended Foster Care)! and Extended Assistance (AA/PA)! or Higher Ed ! 

Not sure if you might be eligible? File an application and DHS will figure out if you are eligible.

Basic eligibility criteria: 

• AGE: 18 through 25]
  • Aged / transitioned out of DHS Foster Care at 18 or older
  • Adopted at age 16 or older
  • Legal guardianship to a kin at age 16 or older
  • Attending an accredited institution of higher education
  • Making satisfactory progress [“C” or better] – specifically not on FAFSA academic suspension / probation
  • Budget is reasonable and for allowable cost of attendance

NEWS ! ! Education and Training Voucher [ETV] changes for Fall 2018 Session

New Federal law:

• increases upper age limit for ETV from 21 to 26; and
•  limits total length of participation to five [5] years.

Young adult does NOT need to receive ETV when 21 in order to be eligible until age 26!

If you need money for school and think you meet the eligibility requirements, complete an application for ETV.

FALL 2018 ETV 

May 1, 2018 -  SHAKATown open to receive ETV Applications 

August 17, 2018  Last day to file a completed application,["completed" means application information and ALL the required documents]. 

September 21, 2018 – ETV benefit checks issued on or about this date

Awards based on need – up to $5,000.00 per year.

You can file an ETV application even if you participate in another DHS program, like Imua Kakou (Extended Foster Care)! and Extended Assistance (AA/PA)! or Higher Ed ! 

Not sure if you might be eligible? File an application and DHS will figure out if you are eligible.

Basic eligibility criteria: 

• AGE: 18 – 21 [& up to 23, if Youth received an ETV when 21]
  • Aged / transitioned out of DHS Foster Care at 18 or older
  • Adopted at age 16 or older
  • Legal guardianship to a relative at age 16 or older
  • Attending an accredited institution of higher education
  • Filed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Making satisfactory progress [“C” or better] – specifically not on FAFSA academic suspension / probation
  • Budget is reasonable and for allowable cost of attendance

Spring 2018 ETV

Nov 1, 2017 -  SHAKATown open to receive ETV Applications 

January 15, 2018  Last day to file a completed applications, ["completed" means application information and ALL the required documents]. 

January 25, 2018 – ETV benefit checks issued

Awards based on need – up to $5,000.00 per year.

You can file an ETV application even if you participate in another DHS program, like Imua Kakou (Extended Foster Care)! and Extended Assistance (AA/PA)! or Higher Ed ! 

Not sure if you might be eligible? File an application and DHS will figure out if you are eligible.

Basic eligibility criteria: 

• AGE: 18 – 21 [& up to 23, if Youth received an ETV when 21]
  • Aged / transitioned out of DHS Foster Care at 18 or older
  • Adopted at age 16 or older
  • Legal guardianship to a relative at age 16 or older
  • Attending an accredited institution of higher education
  • Making satisfactory progress [“C” or better] – specifically not on FAFSA academic suspension / probation
  • Budget is reasonable and for allowable cost of attendance

Spring 2017 ETV

Nov 1, 2016 -  Applications opened 

December 15, 2016  Last day for applications, including submission of ALL required documents. 

Awards based on need – up to $5,000.00 per year.

You can file an ETV application even if you participate in another DHS program, like Imua Kakou (Extended Foster Care)! and Extended Assistance (AA/PA)! or Higher Ed ! 

Not sure if you might be eligible? File an application and DHS will figure out if you are eligible.

Basic eligibility criteria: 

• AGE: 18 – 21 [& up to 23, if Youth received an ETV when 21]
  • Aged / transitioned out of DHS Foster Care at 18 or older
  • Adopted at age 16 or older
  • Legal guardianship to a relative at age 16 or older
  • Attending an accredited institution of higher education
  • Making satisfactory progress [“C” or better] – specifically not on FAFSA academic suspension / probation
  • Budget is reasonable and for allowable cost of attendance

The 2016 Honolulu Pride™ Parade and Festival will be held on OCTOBER 22, 2016.

The Honolulu Pride™ Festival brings together Hawaii’s diverse and vital LGBT community, our friends, families and allies. It’s a week of festivities celebrating our bonds of friendship and aloha.

For more information http://hawaiilgbtlegacyfoundation.com/pride/

Fall 2016 ETV

May 1, 2016 -  Applications opened 

August 19, 2016  Last day for applications, including submission of ALL required documents. 

Awards based on need – up to $5,000.00 per year.

You can file an ETV application even if you participate in another DHS program, like Imua Kakou (Extended Foster Care)! and Extended Assistance (AA/PA)! or Higher Ed ! 

Not sure if you might be eligible? File an application and DHS will figure out if you are eligible.

Basic eligibility criteria: 

• AGE: 18 – 21 [& up to 23, if Youth received an ETV when 21]
  • Aged / transitioned out of DHS Foster Care at 18 or older
  • Adopted at age 16 or older
  • Legal guardianship to a relative at age 16 or older
  • Attending an accredited institution of higher education
  • Making satisfactory progress [“C” or better] – specifically not on FAFSA academic suspension / probation
  • Budget is reasonable and for allowable cost of attendance

See Flyer for Additional Details:

Page #1: The actual flyer

Page #2: Map to courthouse

Page #3: Registration form for youth

Page #4: Registration form for adults