Hand In Hand Support Program (Foster Care)

Were you a part of the Texas foster care system? We want to support you!

The Hand In Hand Support Program is here to help Dallas College students who have experienced foster care. We provide a wide range of services to help you succeed and thrive in school and life. All Dallas College campuses have a program assistant to assist you.

From enrollment to graduation, we're here to help and we'll do it together.

One-on-One Attention

A dedicated staff member at your campus will be your main point of contact.

Student Services Support

We'll help you navigate financial aid, success coaching and other student services.

Get Connected

We can link you to resources most beneficial to your needs as a student and an alum.

Free Tuition at Dallas College

As a Texas foster care alumnus, you may be able to attend college for free through a state tuition and fee exemption. Let's get started!

1. Contact us!

We can help you see if you qualify for free tuition. Email us or get in touch another way.

2. Receive your tuition and fee waiver.

Contact your regional Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) coordinator for a tuition and fee exemption letter, then send it to us. Dallas County is within region 3.

3. We can help you apply for the FAFSA.

You will need to fill out the FAFSA each year to be eligible for federal financial aid. We can help!

Essential Student Resources

Admissions

Apply to Dallas College, register for classes, view upcoming important dates and more.

Financial Aid

Learn about the FAFSA, how to apply for it and when to expect your funds.

Student Care Network

Get help with personal counseling, rental assistance, food, DART passes and more.

Student Resource Directory

For everything else you need related to academics, services, wellness and safety.

State College Tuition Waiver
(via Texas Department of Family and Protective Services)
Education and Training Vouchers for Youths Aging Out of Foster Care in Texas
(via CollegeForAllTexans.com)
Transitional Living Services
(via Texas Department of Family and Protective Services)
Preparation for Adult Living Program
(via Texas Department of Family and Protective Services)
Regional PAL Coordinators
(via Texas Department of Family and Protective Services)
Other Educational Resources
(via Texas Department of Family and Protective Services)
GreaterThanExpectations.org
Adopted/Foster Child/Orphan Scholarships
(via Scholarships.com)

Whom should I contact for the tuition and fee exemption letter?

Please email: pal@3empower.org or contact Wayne Anderson, Permanency Support Supervisor at Empower, at wanderson@3empower.org or call 972-515-4914.
I grew up in the foster care system, but then I was adopted. Do I still have the benefits?

If you were adopted from foster care or were eligible for adoption at age 14 or older, you may also be eligible for the exemption.
Can I get free tuition if I was a ward of another state?

No. You are not eligible for the Texas college tuition and fee exemption if you were in the conservatorship of another state.
I am thinking about going to Dallas College. How can I start?

Start with the Apply & Register page. You will find information about how to enroll. In addition, you can contact the Hand in Hand Support program for additional assistance.
People told me to apply for FAFSA. What is that?

FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You need to fill out the application and submit it every year to be eligible for federal financial aid. Take a look at our FAFSA overview. Then, to get started filling out a FAFSA online, go to studentaid.gov.
I have questions about financial aid. Whom should I talk to?

Start with our Financial Aid Offices. You can also check out the Financial Aid FAQs, which provide answers to many questions. Be sure to read our general overview of financial aid.
I'm interested in the program. How do I get more information?

Great! Fill out our General Information form so we can get to know you better and supply you with more information.

Hand In Hand Helps Foster Care Alumni Build Community

Helping hands forge new paths."

Alexis Childress

Build a Legacy

Keep going no matter what obstacles you face.”

Jessie Haywood

Persevere

Hold your head up even when you can't see the road.”

Anna Camin

Start a New Journey

The journey was not always easy, but the perseverance to catch that light at the end of the tunnel made the journey worth it.”

Upcoming Events

View Past and Upcoming Webinars

Contact Us

We're ready when you are! Find and connect with the dedicated staff member at your campus, schedule an appointment or fill out our general interest form.We can also be reached at WeCare@DallasCollege.edu.

Foster Care Liaison for Dallas College and Campuses

Dr. Stephanie Hill

Associate Vice Chancellor
Student Life and Engagement

Email Dr. Hill

From enrollment to graduation, we're here to help and we'll do it together.

One-on-One Attention

Student Services Support

Get Connected

Free Tuition at Dallas College

1. Contact us!

2. Receive your tuition and fee waiver.

3. We can help you apply for the FAFSA.

Essential Student Resources

Online Resources for Foster Students

Frequently Asked Questions

Whom should I contact for the tuition and fee exemption letter?

I grew up in the foster care system, but then I was adopted. Do I still have the benefits?

Can I get free tuition if I was a ward of another state?

I am thinking about going to Dallas College. How can I start?

People told me to apply for FAFSA. What is that?

I have questions about financial aid. Whom should I talk to?

I'm interested in the program. How do I get more information?