(a)  There are many children in the custody of the department of children, youth, and families who have been in such custody for several years and who have no family resources or whose family has limited ability to provide funds for post secondary education. Such children often possess the academic ability and the interest to pursue higher educational goals but are precluded from doing so because of the lack of family resources to assist in funding;

(b)  The state has already invested considerable funds in such youth through the funding of residential placements, foster care, counseling services, and health care. Investment in their education will help to ensure a successful transition to adulthood free of dependence on government support;

(c)  To afford such youth opportunity comparable to children not in state custody who often enjoy greater opportunities to draw from family and other resources there is hereby created the Department of Children, Youth, and Families’ Higher Education Opportunity Incentive Grant Program. Through an appropriation from the general assembly a grant fund shall be established in the department of children, youth, and families to supplement financial assistance in the form of grants and scholarships that are available to such youth.