The Joint Committee on Higher Education met on July 18, 2025, to discuss a proposed bill aimed at supporting young adults in foster care as they transition to higher education. A key focus of the meeting was the impact of the bill on the approximately 1,600 to 1,700 young people aged 18 to 23 currently in the care of the Department of Children and Families (DCF).

During the discussion, committee members sought to understand how many individuals would benefit from the legislation. It was noted that while there are around 1,700 young people in DCF custody or voluntarily in care, only a small percentage are pursuing higher education. This highlights a significant gap in educational support for these individuals.

The Children's League expressed strong support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of providing resources and assistance to foster youth as they navigate their educational journeys. The committee acknowledged the need for further data analysis and discussions to better understand the specific needs of this population.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the critical need for targeted support for young adults in foster care, particularly as they seek to access higher education opportunities. The committee plans to continue its discussions and gather more information to refine the proposed legislation.