The Road to the Finish Line:Support for Youth in Post Secondary Settings

Improving college success through practice, policy & advocacy advances

“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

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When is ‘underrepresentation’ a crisis?

General Population Students in Foster Care• High school graduation 70% <50%

• College ready/prep 30% 10/15% ???

• College going from h.s. 65% 10%-15%– cc vs. public 4-year college 40%/38% 70%/30%

• College completion rate 55% ???

• U.S. adults w/ bachelor’s

degree or above 28% 2% ???

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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…..

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

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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

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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.

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Federal & State Policy Matters!

Federal:• 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)

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Targeted Supports Work….. and are Growing!

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“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 clearlybest practices that need to be encouraged,supported and replicated!”

Advocacy matters!

Honorable Karen Bass - Speaker of the California State Assembly (2008)

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

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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?

Action is needed…..

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