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Region 5

Phone: (312) 353-4237

Address: 77 West Jackson Blvd.

Chicago, IL 60604

Group Studying Together

No programs able to be identified at this time.

If you would like your program added, please contact us at nrc.fahe@gmail.com

Guardian Scholars- Ball State University

Muncie, IN

ABOUT

 

Guardian Scholars is a dedicated support community for students with experience in foster care (SEFC) and students whose family support systems are limited, grounded in the belief that you deserve a campus where you are genuinely seen, encouraged, and celebrated.

 

The program offers one‑on‑one coaching, seminars, and program events focused on academic success, personal growth, and self‑advocacy, all tailored to your individual needs and goals.

 

Guardian Scholars also provides scholarships, housing support during breaks, and basic needs resources like personal care kits and Winter Break boxes, so everyday financial and stability stress doesn’t have to stand between you and your full potential.

CONTACT

 

Location: 2000 W. University Ave. MC 206

Phone: 765-285-5538

Email: gscholars@bsu.edu

Website: https://www.bsu.edu/about/administrativeoffices/student-affairs/guardianscholars

FAST Program – Saginaw Valley State University

Saginaw, MI

ABOUT

 

FAST (Fostering an Academically Successful Transition) is a campus support program (CSP) for students with experience in foster care (SEFC) attending SVSU or Delta College.

 

It offers life skills workshops, community‑building opportunities, mentorship, and financial assistance, all aimed at supporting students’ personal, academic, and professional goals and reducing barriers that can get in the way of success.

 

FAST staff help students connect to on‑ and off‑campus resources and build a plan for thriving in college and beyond.

CONTACT

 

Phone: 989‑964‑2655

Email: FASTProgram@svsu.edu

Website: https://www.svsu.edu/socialwork/about/fastprogram/

Ferris Youth Initiative / Johnson Scholars – Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI

ABOUT

 

Ferris Youth Initiative and Johnson Scholars programming supports SEFC and students with independent status through scholarships and holistic campus support.

 

The initiative provides financial awards to help close gaps in tuition and fees, along with mentoring, academic guidance, and connections to campus resources that promote retention and graduation for students with foster care or similar experiences

CONTACT

 

Janette Ward

Phone: 231-591-5962

Email: JanetteWard@ferris.edu

Website: https://www.ferris.edu/administration/president/DiversityOffice/fofyi/homepage.htm

Mentorship, Access, and Guidance in College (MAGIC) – Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, MI

ABOUT

 

MAGIC is a campus support program for SEFC and students facing housing instability, focused on making sure you don’t have to navigate college alone.

It provides individualized mentoring, academic support, financial aid navigation, and life‑skills workshops, along with help connecting to housing, food, and mental health resources.

 

MAGIC’s aim is to increase persistence and graduation by building strong relationships and tailored success plans around each student’s goals.

CONTACT

 

Phone: 734.487.3642

Email: emu_magic@emich.edu

Website: https://www.emich.edu/access-opportunity/centers-programs/magic/index.php

CHAMPS 360 – Wayne State University

Detroit, MI

ABOUT
 

CHAMPS (Champions Aspiring to Make Pathways to Success) is a campus-based support program for undergraduate students who have spent time in foster care.

 

Using the Casey Family Programs “It’s My Life” seven life domains model, CHAMPS supports students across education, health, housing, finances and employment, relationships, identity, and life skills.

 

The program offers coaching, academic support, and connections to campus and community resources, all designed to increase college access and improve graduation rates for system‑involved youth.

CONTACT

Phone: 313-577-0063

Email: champs@wayne.edu

Website: https://champs.wayne.edu/

Fostering Laker Success – Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI

ABOUT

 

Fostering Laker Success is a campus-based program (CSP) for students with experience in foster care (SEFC) and other out‑of‑home placements.

 

Participants meet regularly with a coach and mentor, attend events, and work together to set and reach personal, academic, and professional goals, while accessing support for basic needs like rent, auto repair, health care costs, food, personal care items, and graduation expenses.

 

The program centers student success through consistent relationships and practical resources that help stabilize life so students can focus on earning their degrees.

CONTACT

Phone: (616) 331-8864

Email: thompsb4@gvsu.edu

Website: https://www.gvsu.edu/fosteringlakersuccess

FMPowering My Success – University of Michigan–Flint

Flint, MI

ABOUT

 

MPowering My Success is an on‑campus program for SEFC at UM‑Flint that adds an extra layer of support throughout your college journey.

 

Students work with a master’s‑level life‑skills coach, receive 24/7 on‑call emergency support, access annual emergency funds and financial assistance, and participate in life‑skills workshops focused on education, mental health, belonging, relationships, and daily living.

 

The program also offers mentoring, referrals to campus and community resources, and break‑housing support when ne

CONTACT

Phone: 810-762-3365

Email: flint.eoi@umich.edu

Website: https://www.umflint.edu/eoi/mpowering-my-success/

Blavin Scholars – University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI

ABOUT

 

Blavin Scholars is a scholarship and wraparound support program for SEFC at U‑M, designed to eliminate financial barriers and provide a strong community of support.

 

Scholars receive funding for tuition and living costs, one‑on‑one coaching, mentoring, and tailored programming focused on academic success, career development, and personal well‑being.

 

The program emphasizes relationships and belonging, helping students build networks on campus and beyond as they move through college and into post‑graduate life

CONTACT

Phone: 734‑615‑1560

Email: blavinprogram@umich.edu

Website: https://blavinscholars.umich.edu/

FAME (Fostering Academics, Mentoring Excellence) – Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

ABOUT

 

FAME is a resource center and support program for foster youth alumni, youth from kinship care, students who have experienced homelessness, and otherwise independent students at MSU.

 

It provides academic support, mentoring, advocacy, and connections to financial, housing, and basic needs resources to help students succeed on campus and transition into life as MSU alumni.

 

FAME creates a space where students can find community, guidance, and practical help that recognizes their experiences and strengths.

CONTACT

Location: FAME Office, 34 Baker Hall

Phone: 517-353-5537

Email: fame@msu.edu

Website: https://fame.socialwork.msu.edu/

Seita Scholars Program – Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI

ABOUT

 

The Seita Scholars Program is a scholarship and campus support program for WMU students who lived some or all of their teenage years in foster care.

 

Seita Scholars receive a tuition scholarship, live on campus, and work with campus coaches, peer mentors, and staff across seven life domains (education, health, housing, finances and employment, relationships, identity, and life skills) to “level the playing field” and support success.

 

The program includes a seminar course, early transition week, and ongoing monitoring and events, creating a structured, caring environment from pre‑arrival through graduation.

CONTACT

Phone: (269) 387-8344

Email: Ronicka.hamilton@wmich.edu

Website: https://wmich.edu/fosteringsuccess

Fostering STARS – Lansing Community College

Lansing, MI

ABOUT

 

Fostering STARS is a campus support program (CSP) at LCC for SEFC and students using Michigan’s foster care‑related college benefits.

 

It connects students to academic advising, financial aid navigation, life‑skills support, mentoring, and basic needs resources to help them transition into college and persist to graduation.

 

The program’s goal is to provide a stable, caring community and practical tools so students can focus on building the future they want.

CONTACT

Phone: 517-483-1051

Email: fostering-stars@star.lcc.edu

Website: https://www.lcc.edu/services/fostering-stars/

REACH – Washtenaw Community College

Ann Arbor, MI

ABOUT

 

REACH is a student success coaching program at WCC designed for students with experience in foster care (SEFC).

 

It offers one‑on‑one coaching, help navigating financial aid, scholarships, campus services and foster care‑related resources, support with academics and life skills, and personalized assistance during key transitions like starting college or changing programs.

 

REACH also provides access to a stocked pantry (snacks, personal care, household items, school supplies), care packages, and community‑building events, ensuring whole‑student support at no cost to participants.

CONTACT

Phone: 734‑231‑9064

Email: kstewart@wccnet.edu

Website: https://www.wccnet.edu/succeed/personal/reach.php

Augsburg Family Scholars – Augsburg University

Minneapolis, MN

ABOUT

Augsburg Family Scholars (AFS) is a dedicated support community for students with experience in foster care (SEFC), created to narrow the opportunity gap and ensure you have a campus where your story and strengths are recognized and supported.

 

The program layers comprehensive financial support (including up to full comprehensive fees for tuition, housing, meal plan, and books, plus gift cards for setting up housing and basic needs support when school isn’t in session) with academic mentoring from a dedicated faculty mentor, access to the Gage Center for Student Success, and help exploring research and graduate opportunities.

 

AFS also builds a strong peer community through cohort activities, regular dinners, experiential learning, celebrations, off‑campus events, peer mentoring, and a student‑led Scholars Council, giving you a built‑in network and a lounge space on campus where you can land, connect, and thrive.

CONTACT

Phone: 612-330-1000

Email: familyscholars@augsburg.edu

Website: https://www.augsburg.edu/augsburgfamilyscholars/

Independent Scholars Network – Wright State University

Dayton, OH

ABOUT

The Independent Scholars Network (ISN) is a campus support program (CSP) for students who have been impacted by foster care, built to help you transition from foster care or adoption into a stable “home” at Wright State.

 

During your first year, you’re paired with a coach who meets with you regularly to talk through your goals, connect you with living arrangements, employment opportunities, and campus/community resources, and identify services tailored to your individual needs.

 

ISN also offers emergency funds and scholarship support, along with social and cultural programming, to enhance your academic experience and help you persist, graduate, and prepare for your next steps after college.

CONTACT

Phone: 937-775-2808

Email: deanofstudents@wright.edu

Website: https://www.wright.edu/student-affairs/resources-and-support/independent-scholars-network

Falcon Links – University of Wisconsin–River Falls

River Falls, WI

ABOUT

Falcon Links is a campus-based support program (CSP) for students who have been in foster care (SEFC), experienced homelessness, or have limited family support, created to make sure you have guidance, connection, and resources throughout your college journey.

 

Social work staff provide counseling, problem‑solving, resource referrals, and emergency grant support, helping you navigate academic, financial, and personal challenges while building stability and progress toward graduation.

 

Falcon Links also connects students to campus services, community partners, and mental health resources, so you have a consistent team behind you as you move through school and into independent adulthood.

CONTACT

Tammy Kincaid

Location: 229 Wyman Education Building

Phone: 715-425-3376

Email: tamara.kincaid@uwrf.edu

Website: https://students.uwrf.edu/falconlinks

Fostering Success – University of Wisconsin

All 13 UW Campuses

ABOUT

 

Fostering Success programs across University of Wisconsin campuses share a common goal: giving students with experience in foster care (SEFC), homelessness, or limited family support a real team behind them as they move into and through college.

 

Across these campuses, the programs are set up to reduce financial vulnerability, increase stability, and create a sense of belonging, so students are not trying to navigate higher education alone or without guidance.

 

Typically, Fostering Success programs offer a mix of one‑on‑one coaching or case management, help with financial aid and scholarships, and access to basic needs supports like food, clothing, school supplies, and sometimes emergency grants or housing connections.

 

They often provide welcome baskets, finals care packages, and targeted life‑skills workshops (things like budgeting, navigating benefits, time management, or self‑advocacy), all designed to give SEFC and students with independent status the same kinds of safety nets many peers get from family.

 

Just as important, these programs build community. Students are invited into small, relational spaces like cohort meetings, social events, and staff‑led check‑ins, where their experiences in foster care or housing instability are understood rather than stigmatized.

 

Fostering Success programs across UW campuses function as bridges from high school or care systems into college, and as ongoing safety nets through graduation, making it more possible for students to stay enrolled, thrive academically, and plan for what comes next.

a consistent team behind you as you move through school and into independent adulthood.

CONTACT

Tawney Latona

Email: tawney@uwm.edu

Website: https://www.wisconsin.edu/foster-student-resources/

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