If you are the adoptive parent of a foster child, know someone who is in foster care, or are in foster care yourself, this article is for you. If you or your child is discouraged from attending college because you believe there are no funds, support systems, or tools to help you be successful – think again! There are organizations and people who are there to help you excel beyond what you could ever dream of. If you want to attend college, there are resources to utilize. Below are a few to help you overcome the fears, doubts, and worries you may have about enrolling in a college.
Foster Care to Success
Foster Care to Success is a nonprofit organization providing scholarships and monetary funds to college bound foster youth. Students may also receive coaches, care packages, and mentors to help you throughout the process. Foster Care to Success has been recognized by Congress and every White House Administration since George Bush, Sr. It’s one of the largest providers of support services to foster youth in the U.S. This organization can also help you find an internship to supplement your educational opportunities. If you’re interested in this assistance, be sure to check out their website!
FosterClub Transition Toolkit
The Foster Club Transition Toolkit is a free guide on how to navigate the world after leaving the foster care system. The toolkit is an exceptional resource because it covers an array of subjects from finances, housing, and education. The education section includes a few checklists on departing from high school with necessary items and actions for college preparation. If you’re lost on the specifics of college arrangements, checklists are a great way to ensure you have everything you need. The booklet is free to download, so if you have access to a computer, you have access to the plan!
If you found the FosterClub Transition Toolkit helpful, FosterClub also offers a 7 week internship program designed to empower you to gain insightful skills and represent the rights of foster youth across the nation. The internship teaches students valuable, transferable skills that will serve them well in college. A few of these skills include conflict resolution, public speaking, organization and administration, computer experience, team building, and leadership. If you want to learn more about this opportunity and are interested in applying, take a look at the program outline.
U.S. Department of Education Foster Care Transition Toolkit
The U.S. Department of Education also offers a transition toolkit for leaving the foster care system. Although this guide is lengthier than the FosterClub toolkit, its contents are extensive in nature, covering a vast amount of subjects. This reading provides helpful links to different organizations that the U.S. Department of Education has recognized as having a significant impact on assisting foster youth students in postsecondary education. It is worth your time to briefly skim over the contents or to use as a reference when the appropriate time arises. (Even if you don’t feel like you need to know all the information within the guide).
NHHEAF Network Online Resources
The NHEEAF Network offers an online, all-encompassing process for planning your college experience. Although the office and focus is in New Hampshire, most of the links and recommendations they post are universally accessible to students across the nation. They have pages devoted to choosing a college, college athletics, support services for students, and tips for parents. Reading about the basics and getting a kick-start on beginning your journey after high school and foster care can help push you to achieve your college education goals. Visit this website for a roadmap to commencing your college education.
Local Admissions Office
Another exemplary resource is the local admissions office for the college you are interested in. The officers there are more than willing to help you throughout the process. You can usually contact the college admissions office of choice by visiting their admissions page online and locating the email address or phone number. They are trained to assist foster youth students with the application process, so they are worthwhile connections to speak with if you prefer more personalized help.
You do not have to be fearful of attending college! There are plenty of resources and people who are more than willing to show you the way to success. You are worthy, capable, and gifted enough to acquire a college degree. Don’t get discouraged because you feel like there is no place for you; education is for everyone! Crush those doubts, take advantage of the benefits offered, and get ready for an exciting adventure!