Technical College System Offices

3/27/2012

GEORGIA’S COLLEGE ACCESS PLANLEADERSHIP TEAM MEETING

SPOTLIGHT PRESENTATION:SUPPORTING THE EDUCATIONAL

NEEDS OF YOUTH IN FOSTER CARE

1. Background & introductions2. Snapshot of the issue in Georgia3. Perspective of youth4. How can CACG support youth in

care?

OVERVIEW

The intersection of two groups that support education:

1.College Access Challenge Grant program (CACG)The College Access Challenge Grant program seeks to increase postsecondary degree attainment of P-12 students traditionally underrepresented in higher education. The College Access Challenge Grant program emphasizes performance, partnerships, and the overall value to higher education as part of its metrics for success.

and

2.Georgia Youth Opportunities Initiative (GYOI)The Georgia Youth Opportunities Initiative’s mission is to connect the people, systems, and resources necessary to assist young people impacted by the foster care system in making successful transitions to adulthood. The Education Subcommittee of the GYOI works to identify barriers to success as well as identify areas of support for youth in care.

BACKGROUND

Membership:Victoria Salzman, GYOICynthia Moreland, nsoro FoundationEcho Garrett and Mike Daly, Orange Duffel Bag FoundationEric McGhee, Georgia Dept. of EducationMike Angstadt, Twin Cedars, MAAC Board MemberWilliam Teasley, Atlanta Educational FundShaquita Ogletree, MAACRielle Grant, MAACPalaesha Curtis, student, GYOIOctavia Ferguson, student, GYOIDavid Meyers, Fanning Institute

GYOI EDUCATION SUBCOMMITTEE

Youth in foster care face an uphill battle to graduate from high school, gain acceptance to college, and graduate from college due to a myriad of reasons, including:

Multiple moves Inconsistent school attendance Difficulties in maintaining relationships Emotional/Behavioral difficulties Lack of educational role models Many others…

Without support from trusted adults, youth in care may drop out of college over incidental expenses, like parking tickets or library fines

WHAT IS THE ISSUE?

As of 9/30/2009, 8221 youth in foster care Of those, 23.3% of youth in care were between 15-17 (1915 youth) For academic year 2011-12, ~350 Georgia youth in foster care are

enrolled in college14% of youth aging out of foster care will graduate from high

school2% of youth aging out of foster care will graduate from collegeOn average, youth in GA's foster care move 7-10 times (or

more) Every move for a child in foster care represents a 6 month loss

in educational progressOther statistics are on the handout

THE STATISTICAL STORY

Resources exist for college expenses: GA HB 272: grants to support “tuition, ancillary student

fees, and the cost-of-living expenses for any undergraduate program of any Georgia public postsecondary institution”

Youth in care may sign themselves back into foster care and be eligible for continued benefits, such as medicaid

RESOURCES

What is the biggest barrier that you faced:

1. While Preparing for College (still in High School)?

2. While Seeking Acceptance to College?

3. While in College?

YOUTH PERSPECTIVE

Potential Solutions:

Training and mentoring for youth in care, such as ODBF

Educational advocates for youth

Organized tutoring programs and systematic insurance that youth have access to support.

Increased opportunities for exposure to college environments such as pre-collegiate experiences

HOW TO SUPPORT YOUTH IN CAREPREPARING FOR COLLEGE

Potential Solutions:Developing a relationship with the College Boards (who administer the SAT/ACT) to eliminate barriers to success for youth in careDevelop a section of GA College411 that is specifically designed for youth in careBring Apply to College and FAFSA events to ILP groups and group homes

HOW TO SUPPORT YOUTH IN CAREGAINING ACCEPTANCE TO COLLEGE

Potential Solutions:Develop a USG Guardian Scholars program on a range of campuses that could provide:

Intersession support with food and housing Mentoring/advocacy on campus Establish an entity on campus to advocate for foster care

issuesIdentify preference for youth in care to on campus employmentProvide additional support for booksIdentify resources for academic financial aid as well as support for general living expenses

HOW TO SUPPORT YOUTH IN CAREWHILE IN COLLEGE