Easing the Transition into

Higher Education:Providing Resources

for the Next Step

Why are we here?

To discuss partnerships formed in identifying needs To explain how each agency contributes To outline a higher education program aimed at

successful transitions To help our youth!

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

-Helen Keller

Rutherford County ATLAS

Who are we and what do we do? Address barriers faced by Homeless Unaccompanied

Youth Graduation requirements Completing FAFSA Navigating college applications and aid Housing Food Transportation Lack of family support

Rutherford County ATLAS And how do we do address those issues? While in high school:

Single point of contact all year Graduation coaches STARS Academic advocates Food Supplies Transportation College connections

Youth Villages

Who are we and what do we do? Address barriers faced by Foster Youth

Completing FAFSA Housing Mental and physical health needs Transportation Support needs in the natural environment Parenting needs Adult living skills

Youth Villages

And how do we do address those issues? While in high school and transitioning out of care:

FAFSA- tax information, parental guidance Housing before school and during breaks Insurance, pregnancy prevention, mental health Vehicle costs, public transportation Safety and education Money management, career and goal setting

Brief History of Next Step:

Began in 2008 as a resource for foster youth Transitioned in 2010 to include homeless youth Served 400+ youth Rely on community partners for identification and

support of these youth

Our Mission

To ENCOURAGE and EMPOWER former foster, homeless and independent youth as they strive to attain higher education while ENABLING them to sustain and succeed in becoming productive members of society.

Lack of familial support or adequate mentor Need for Financial Aid Need for year-round housing Counseling support Employment concerns Need for individual attention Need for healthcare

What did we need to address?

How did we do it?

Campus partners Admissions Housing Student Support Services Enrollment Services Financial Aid

Community partners Student mentors

The first place to start the quest for higher education is the Admissions Office. Students self-identify or are referred by academic

advisors to Next Step liaisons. Process of Financial Aid and Housing begins here. Campus tours can also be arranged.

Office of Admissions

Available to enrolled students continuously throughout the year, including semester breaks and holiday periods

Payment plans/waivers Priority placement

Housing and Residential Life

Grants Loans Scholarships Pay for housing Work study program

Financial Aid

Encompasses many different tasks Troubleshooting Mentor assignments Career counseling Connection to academic advisor Overall open-door policy

Enrollment Services

Participants qualify for application into this grant-funded program based on background

Services offered include: Free tutoring Cultural events Computer lab access Free workshops/seminars Food pantry Counseling services Scholarship/Grant Assistance

Student Support Services

TN Department of Children’s Services Youth Villages Rutherford County ATLAS Greenhouse Ministries Journey Home CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) And many more.

Community Partners

Mentors are current students from similar backgrounds

Many made the transition on their own before the program began

Students seem to identify and relate more to our mentors

Mentor Program

Some of the biggest hurdles?

Money and overall funding Student involvement Retention rates among population

Room for Improvement

Food pantry started in 2012 Served over 2,000 students Received over 37,000 pounds of donations

Community resource expansion Scholarship/Grant funding

Questions???Thank you for coming!

Kim Snell Becca SeulATLAS Liaison Middle Tennessee State UniversityRutherford County Schools Coordinator, Withdrawals and Support Programs SnellK@rcschools.net becca.seul@mtsu.edu615-893-5812, ext. 22225 615-494-8910

Chrissy ScottEducational/Vocational CoordinatorYVLifeSetchristina.scott@youthvillages.org931-552-5245

www.mtsu.edu/nextstep