Campus Support Programs: Tips for Students Who Have Been in Foster Care

Date: November 2024

Making a successful transition to college can be difficult for all young people. Young people who have experienced foster care may face additional challenges and need extra support. They may wonder how they will pay for college or afford their expenses while in school. They may not feel academically prepared for college-level work or question whether they will have a support network or someone to mentor them during this life change. To address some of these concerns, colleges and universities across the country have developed campus support programs for young adults who have experienced foster care. 

This factsheet will help young people who have experienced foster care to learn why campus support programs are important, the types of supports they offer, and how to find them. It was developed in partnership with young people with lived experience in foster care who have used campus support programs. The information in this factsheet is for all students with backgrounds in foster care who are interested in attending college and want to learn more about the types of supports available.

This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information Gateway.