Expanding Promise: Depicting the Ecosystems of Support and Financial Sustainability for Students In Foster Care

As ways are explored to expand support for foster youth in or aged out of care to access and graduate from college, a College Promise Program for this specific population could prove significant. Federal policy shifts and local state efforts have advanced progressively over the years, but there is more to be done to ensure degree completion for youth in or aged out of foster care. The purpose of this paper is to review promising college access and retention programs for foster youth, discuss key policies, including financial and economic, that impact college access and retention, and to highlight essential features of a College Promise Model for youth in or aged out of the foster care system. The presenters will be Dr. Angelique Day (University of Washington School of Social Work), Dr. Sebrena Jackson (University of Alabama), and Dr. Lauren Ford (San Mateo County Community College District).