In order to qualify for a fee exemption as a result of homelessness, the student must meet the criteria outlined in Florida Statute 1009.25(1)(f):
Pursuant to section 1009.25, Florida Statutes (F.S.), and Rule 6A-10.087, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), each Florida College System institution’s board of trustees, each district school board with a career center, and each board of directors for a charter technical career center, must exempt students experiencing homelessness from the payment of tuition and fees, including lab fees.
For the purpose of the tuition and fees, a student experiencing homelessness is defined as an individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including an individual who would meet this definition but for their residence in college dormitory housing.
Examples include:
- Individuals who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; or are abandoned in hospitals;
- Individuals who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
- Individuals who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings;
- Migratory children who qualify as homeless for the purposes of 42 U.S.C. Sections 11431-11435; and
- Individuals who would otherwise meet this definition but for their residence is in college dormitory housing.”
Chipola has designated a Foster Care and Homelessness Liaison to assist and provide support for students who have been identified as a homeless child or youth under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and students who have been in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCF). The liaison will assist students in completing the admissions process and serve as an advocate for students’, meeting the above guidelines, during their academic journey at Chipola College. For more information contact, Ashley Harvey at harveya@chipola.edu. or call 850-718-2487.
To Qualify for Waiver:
- Apply for Admissions at my.chipola.edu
- Complete the Homelessness Verification Form FSH-1 and email to admissions@chipola.edu
- Apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Meet with Homelessness Liaison, Ashley Harvey, during the term you applying for homelessness to register for classes.
Future Applications
Currently enrolled students experiencing homelessness should contact the Homelessness Liaison, Ashley Harvey at harveya@chipola.edu or (850) 718-2487, to complete the Form FSH-1. In addition to the Form FSH-1, a written statement and/or a documented interview (whether via in-person, telephone, or other electronic means) will be required.
Related Resources:
To obtain FL ID: https://www.flhsmv.gov/locations/jackson/
Ifyou have completed your application for admission, please visit the Director of Enrollment Services located in A -141 to complete your Homeless Fee Exemption Waiver.