Foster care youth benefit from state’s Passport to College scholarship program

     Nearly 115 former foster care youth were awarded college scholarships for the first time by the Passport to College program during the fall 2008 term.  The scholarships, worth up to $6,793 for the 2008-09 academic year, were used by students attending 37 college campuses throughout the state.

     The Passport to College Promise program was established by the 2007 Legislature to encourage former foster care youth to prepare for and succeed in college.  This includes providing youth with educational planning, information, institutional support, and direct financial resources.

    During fall term, 71 percent of recipients attended a community or technical college, 17 percent attended a public four-year institution, and 12 percent attended an independent four-year institution.

    In addition to the scholarship, Passport-eligible students may also receive support services customized for former foster care youth attending campuses that have signed on to provide a “viable plan” for student success.

     By the beginning of fall term, 48 colleges had agreed to provide the planned services to youth.  Those services include outreach and training programs, orientations, youth mentoring, textbook loan libraries, hot meals, and help for college seniors approaching graduation to pay for expenses associated with graduation and full independence.

     The Higher Education Coordinating Board, DSHS, College Success Foundation, Casey Family Programs, and other partners are planning a training event that brings together campus professionals with social service agencies and foster youth to share information and strengthen support networks.

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