1. Improving college success through practice, policy & advocacy advances
The Road to the Finish Line: Support for Youth in Post Secondary Settings
Improving college success through practice, policy & advocacy advances

2. “Graduating from college meant that I won
“Graduating from college meant that I won. It proves that my father was wrong when he said I wouldn’t amount to nothing. Most of all, it meant that I would gain the knowledge to use my experience to help other people. College meant freedom from my past and the ability to choose my future.”
Maria, 2007 college graduate from foster care

3. When is ‘underrepresentation’ a crisis?
General Population Students in Foster Care
High school graduation 70% <50%
College ready/prep 30% /15% ???
College going from h.s. 65% %-15%
cc vs. public 4-year college 40%/38% %/30%
College completion rate 55% ???
U.S. adults w/ bachelor’s
degree or above 28% 2% ???

4. For every 100 students in foster care who enter secondary school:
Maybe 50 will complete high school…..
10 – 15 may enroll in some postsecondary education or training program…..
Maybe 7 will receive an AA degree or certificate & 2 may earn a bachelor’s degree…..

5. “This situation is morally repugnant!”
Rueven Carlyle - Washington State Representative

6. Common Barriers to College Access and Success
K-12 school/placement instability
Few engaged in college prep courses, TRIO & GEAR UP programs
Lack of educational and career advocacy at any level
Low high school graduation rates
Emotional/mental health issues
Records transfer and confidentiality issues
Long terms effects of abuse and neglect – trust issues
Higher Education Success
On their own (‘Independence’) at a young age
Survival mode dominates
Lack of knowledge about college
Inadequate college aspirations and preparations
Lack of role models, college advocates, mentors/coaches
Long terms effects of abuse and neglect – trust issues
Few college programs are aware of their support needs

7. Foster Youth Succeed When Provided With Support!
When foster youth are provided with the attention and supports they need, they can and do succeed. Innovative strategies that provide educational champions for foster youth coupled with collaborative, cross-system programs make a big difference in improving high school graduation rates, enabling success in college and advancing young people’s careers.
In fact, when foster youth receive support in college, they can outperform other students in graduating from college.
Understanding foster youth educational outcomes (2011). insights In-Depth, California Child Welfare Co-Investment Partnership, Special Edition, Vol. V, Fall.

8. Federal & State Policy Matters!
Fostering Connections Act
Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA)
College Cost Reductions Act
Chafee Foster Care Independence Act/ETV
State:
College tuition waivers
Passport to College (WA)
AB 12 (CA)
extended Medicaid coverage
Housing (e.g. CA’s Housing Placement Program (THPP)

9. Targeted Supports Work….. and are Growing!

10. Advocacy matters!
“Programs like guardian scholars and renaissance scholars help give California's foster youth vital support to finish school. Students who might otherwise find themselves homeless and hopeless instead become college graduates. With a 73% success rate, these programs are clearly best practices that need to be encouraged, supported and replicated!”
Honorable Karen Bass - Speaker of the California State Assembly (2008)

11. Higher Education - Advocating for Improved Supports to Students from Foster Care

12. Action is needed…..
What will it take for your state to address this dire situation? Who do we need to partner w/ to realize dramatic change in higher education access and success? How long will it take to reach parity with the general population?