By: Ashley Watkins & Mallory Sellers Seita Scholar seminar By: Ashley Watkins & Mallory Sellers

Beginnings…. The Seita Scholar program was established in Fall of 2008. Prior to the program, there were 12 students who identified as experiencing foster care on WMU’s campus. The program brought 51 additional students to campus. Fall 2009: 77 Seita Scholars Fall 2010: 118 Seita Scholars Fall 2011: 141 Seita Scholars Present: 150 Seita Scholars

Who is john seita? Dr. John Seita is….. A three-time WMU alumnus who is a nationally known advocate for foster-care youth, and is part of the Center for Fostering Success.

Seita Scholar Program The primary objective of the Seita Scholar Program are to promote academic success toward college graduation for students that have experienced foster care in their teen years that leads to professional employment while maintaining personal well-being, developing career aspirations, & building leadership capabilities.

Components of Seita program Financial Support Legacy Scholarship: Full Tuition Scholarship New Generation Scholarship: $5000 Campus Coach Bi-weekly Meetings with a professional on campus helping them to overcome barriers that many students in foster care experience Use of Fostering Success Coaching Model There to point students to additional resources on campus as well as provided by the state of Michigan Emergency Resources After Hours Support Emergency Funds upon request

Goals of the scholarship To help lead WMU students to have a successful college experience that have experienced foster care on or after their 14th birthday. Develop a community of scholars among WMU students who have aged out of foster care, and build connections that will help them deconstruct and reconstruct their identity. To help students within the program transition to the professional world. Transform WMU students from foster care by integrating experiences from students past to build opportunities for their future.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS First, you must be aware that applying for the Seita Scholarship is separate from applying to Western Michigan University. You must be between the ages of 17-25 and be admitted as a first-time freshman or a transfer student. You must be in foster care on or after your 14th birthday; or if adopted out of foster care that would have to occur on or after your 16th birthday. You must have the appropriate paperwork to verify your age.

Scholarship Agreements You must reside on campus Maintain full-time student status. Take a seminar course for Seita Scholars. Maintain satisfactory academic progress. Maintain a 2.0 gpa or higher to be in good standing. Abide by University codes for campus living. Attend all classes Attend scheduled program events. Meet regularly with a program advisor (Campus Coach). Refrain from working off campus.

Scholarship benefits Full tuition scholarship to undergraduate students 6 Campus Coaches Additional financial support (ETV, MYOI, MET, etc.) Student Care Packages Graduation Preparation Seminars Work-Study (Employee Skill Development) Career Mentoring

Seven domains These seven domains are: Academics Finances Housing Campus Coaches approach supporting their students from a holistic approach. They use the 7 Life Domains model, which was adapted from the “It’s My Life Framework” developed by The Casey Family Programs. These seven domains are: Academics Finances Housing Physical and Mental Health Social Relationships and Community Connections Personal and Cultural Identity Life Skills

FANTASTIC FIVE Engaging Men Initiative: For Seita Scholars who identify as male. Lady Butterflies: Seita Scholars who identify as female. Seita Scholar SAFE: For scholars who identify as LGBTQA & it gives scholars an opportunity to gain a sense of identity, inclusion, & community while in the program. Parent’s Future: For students who identify as a parent or expecting parent. Provides a support system for the individuals. Fostering Youth in Higher Education: Seita Scholars the opportunity to participate in registered student organizations specifically created for alumni foster care.

Fostering success Statewide initiative to increase college going rates among foster youth. Network system among college campuses seeking to support foster youth. There are 14 participating universities. The website itself provides a sufficient amount of resources for students. Financial resources, Specific university programs, Specific skills needed for college,etc. http://fosteringsuccessmichigan.com/

Seita Scholar Students A word from our students

Katie Mccuen Hello ,  My experience with the Seita Scholars has been nothing but great ! This is an amazing program that offers so many positive things in my life . This gives me the strength to become something that everyone in my life said I couldn’t. This program gives me the opportunity to break all the odds! I am able to make my own future and make things so great for not only others but I can finally tell all those who didn't believe it . That I can do this , I  have much passion and joy for this program ! 

Destany webb I feel that the Seita Program is very beneficial for the students here at Western. It helps students stay on track of graduating and helps them with their needs.  The Seita program not only help students academically but socially as well. We become well- rounded students by being Seita Scholars; helps us with school, family, social life, healthy living of mind, body, and soul .   

Deborah wilson I feel that the Seita Scholars program is very positive. I feel that the scholarship is essential to my success as a college student. The program provides a foundation for a positive solid foundation for a successful college experience. 

Why we exist? Only 2 to 4 percent of students who have experienced foster care actually graduate from college. 70% of these students pursue college. Recently within our program 30% of students have graduated. In 2017, the Seita Scholar program will have it’s 100th graduate.

Questions?