Easing the Transition into Higher Education: Providing Resources for the Next Step

Why are we here?  To discuss partnerships formed in identifying needs  To explain how each agency contributes  To outline a higher education program aimed at successful transitions  To help our youth!

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” -Helen Keller

Rutherford County ATLAS  Who are we and what do we do?  Address barriers faced by Homeless Unaccompanied Youth  Graduation requirements  Completing FAFSA  Navigating college applications and aid  Housing  Food  Transportation  Lack of family support

Rutherford County ATLAS  And how do we do address those issues?  While in high school:  Single point of contact all year  Graduation coaches  STARS  Academic advocates  Food  Supplies  Transportation  College connections

Youth Villages  Who are we and what do we do?  Address barriers faced by Foster Youth  Completing FAFSA  Housing  Mental and physical health needs  Transportation  Support needs in the natural environment  Parenting needs  Adult living skills

Youth Villages  And how do we do address those issues?  While in high school and transitioning out of care:  FAFSA- tax information, parental guidance  Housing before school and during breaks  Insurance, pregnancy prevention, mental health  Vehicle costs, public transportation  Safety and education  Money management, career and goal setting

Brief History of Next Step:  Began in 2008 as a resource for foster youth  Transitioned in 2010 to include homeless youth  Served 400+ youth  Rely on community partners for identification and support of these youth

Our Mission To ENCOURAGE and EMPOWER former foster, homeless and independent youth as they strive to attain higher education while ENABLING them to sustain and succeed in becoming productive members of society.

 Lack of familial support or adequate mentor  Need for Financial Aid  Need for year-round housing  Counseling support  Employment concerns  Need for individual attention  Need for healthcare What did we need to address?

How did we do it?  Campus partners  Admissions  Housing  Student Support Services  Enrollment Services  Financial Aid  Community partners  Student mentors

 The first place to start the quest for higher education is the Admissions Office.  Students self-identify or are referred by academic advisors to Next Step liaisons.  Process of Financial Aid and Housing begins here.  Campus tours can also be arranged. Office of Admissions

 Available to enrolled students continuously throughout the year, including semester breaks and holiday periods  Payment plans/waivers  Priority placement Housing and Residential Life

 Grants  Loans  Scholarships  Pay for housing  Work study program Financial Aid

 Encompasses many different tasks  Troubleshooting  Mentor assignments  Career counseling  Connection to academic advisor  Overall open-door policy Enrollment Services

 Participants qualify for application into this grant-funded program based on background  Services offered include:  Free tutoring  Cultural events  Computer lab access  Free workshops/seminars  Food pantry  Counseling services  Scholarship/Grant Assistance Student Support Services

 TN Department of Children’s Services  Youth Villages  Rutherford County ATLAS  Greenhouse Ministries  Journey Home  CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)  And many more. Community Partners

 Mentors are current students from similar backgrounds  Many made the transition on their own before the program began  Students seem to identify and relate more to our mentors Mentor Program

Some of the biggest hurdles?  Money and overall funding  Student involvement  Retention rates among population

Room for Improvement  Food pantry started in 2012  Served over 2,000 students  Received over 37,000 pounds of donations  Community resource expansion  Scholarship/Grant funding

Questions??? Thank you for coming! Kim SnellBecca Seul ATLAS LiaisonMiddle Tennessee State University Rutherford County SchoolsCoordinator, Withdrawals and Support Programs , ext Chrissy Scott Educational/Vocational Coordinator YVLifeSet