MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Governor Bentley held a ceremonial bill signing Tuesday for the Fostering Hope Scholarship Act, a new law that offers children currently or formerly in Alabama’s foster care program the opportunity to receive a college education.

Sponsored by Senator Dick Brewbaker (R-Pike Road) and Representative Paul Lee (R-Dothan) the law will go into effect during the 2016-2017 school year.

“We owe it to our children to give them every possible opportunity for a successful life, and this bill helps those in the foster care system prepare for success,” the governor said at the signing.

Contingent on funding, the new law provides eligible participants with the option of receiving tuition and required fees at any public two-year or four-year institution of higher education in the state of Alabama, or payment for required fees for state-provided job training courses or skill certification.

The law also incorporates a mentor service administered by the Department of Human Resources as a support system for participants in the scholarship program

In the 2015 Regular Session, the legislature and Governor Bentley allocated $3 million for the program.

“The Fostering Hope Scholarship Act gives foster kids a real opportunity at the American dream,” said Sen. Brewbaker. “The bill levels the playing field for kids who have been dealt a tough hand at a very young age. I was proud to sponsor this legislation in the Senate and believe it will have a dramatic and positive impact on foster children in Alabama.”

“Every child in Alabama deserves access to a quality education and a chance at a bright future, and this bill gives our foster children the opportunity to pursue those options,” said Representative Lee. “I’m proud to be able to sponsor this important legislation that could be life-changing for these children.”