By Andrea Poe, Washington Times- 1/20/12 –A growing number of colleges across the United States are providing special support to students who have been in foster care. It is not surprising that California colleges and universities are leading this movement considering that foster children in California represent 25% of all the foster care population in the U.S.

Photo by Susana Mariscal

Innovative programs to support academic success of former foster youth have been implemented in 79 campuses across California since 1998 (in Fullerton). The assistance provided ranges from year-round housing opportunities to targeted scholarships to mentoring resources to winter clothing. This assistance is essential considering that most foster youth typically “age out” of the system by 18 and have little or no support, resulting in homelessness and poverty. In fact, California statistics show that 65% of the youth who leave the foster care system do not have a place to live.

Some states, like Michigan and California, are discussing the possibility of extending youth care up to 21 years old. The additional years of support can help youth through college and training like their peers. Supporting former foster youth succeed in college is essential because only 3% to11% of those aging out of the foster care system complete a bachelor’s degree, according to a study from the Casey Family Foundation.

These statistics prompted other states, such as West Virginia and Oregon, to being addressing this issue through support programs. Programs like these require initiative and investment, but the pay-off is big. As Andrea Poe states, “when former foster care youth go on to live successful, productive lives, everyone succeeds”.

Courtesy of the Washington Times

Original Article: Colleges offer help to foster care youth

Link: http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/red-thread-adoptive-family-forum/2012/jan/20/colleges-offer-help-foster-care-youth/