TURNING DREAMS INTO DEGREES

TURNING DREAMS INTO DEGREES
Ed. Course 2: Supporting Successful Transitions from High School to College Facilitator’s Note: Use this opportunity to provide welcome and introductions

Life after high school is a big transition and many foster youth do not start preparing early enough. This session will help you understand how to support your youth to make a smooth transition from high school to college. You will learn about the benefits of college and the different college pathways available so you can encourage youth to make a plan that is right for them. You will also learn about the key steps youth must take in the junior and senior year of college, and the supports and resources that exist to help youth along the way. Facilitator’s Note: This slide is included to provide space for an icebreaker or interaction opportunity. Below are instructions for an opening icebreaker. Step-In/Step-Out: If space permits, have participants move to the front of the room or readjust chairs to clear space in the center of the room. Ask participants to stand in a circle, facing the center. As the facilitator, you may stand at the center of the circle or stand outside of the circle. Inform participants that you will be reading a series of statements to help the group get to know each other. Before each statement, you will instruct participants to take one “step in” toward the center of the circle, or one “step out,” if the statement applies to them. Help the group warm up by starting with less personal questions related to college, such as “Step in, if you enjoy watching college football,” or “Step in, if you can name the UCLA mascot.” Gradually, incorporate more personal questions, such as, “Step out if you feel 100% knowledgeable about the college application process,” or “Step out if you have a concern about how to support your child in college.” After repeating for several rounds, ask for volunteers to reflect on how the activity made them feel. Provide some reflections of your own, such as where you see areas of difference and areas of similarity for the group of participants.

Acknowledgements This presentation was developed by John Burton Advocates for Youth and UNITE-LA, with input from L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and Foster and Kinship Care Education (FKCE) specialists. This curriculum is part of an overall strategy within the L.A. Opportunity Youth Collaborative’s Foster Youth College Advancement Project to increase postsecondary attainment for foster youth in Los Angeles County.

Agenda Why college matters
Understanding the different college pathways Tools for exploring college and career paths Setting up youth for success- resources and supports Educational Planning Milestones- 11th and 12th grade Where to get support Understanding financial aid resources and processes

Why College? Understanding what is at stake for our youth

Are they a former foster youth?
Colin Kaepernick, Former NFL Quarterback Attended University of NV Richard Martinez, Pomona USD Superintendent Attended Cal State L.A. Bobby Cagle, DCFS Director Attended UNC Chapel Hill Faith Hill, Singer Attended Hinds Community College Steve Jobs, Co-Founder of Apple Attended Reed College Simone Biles, Olympic Gold Medalist Attending University of the People Facilitator’s note: To use Slide 6 as an interaction opportunity, the facilitator may click through each individual and ask participants to raise their hand if they think the individual is a former foster youth. Alternatively, the facilitator may list all individuals and then ask participants to vote by show of hands for the individual who they think is a former foster youth. After participants make their guesses, inform them that each and every one of these successful individuals were not only in foster care, but also went on to college and pursue their career interests. This activity is meant to illustrate some of the many possibilities that foster youth can achieve by pursuing a higher education. This shows us that, despite the challenges that foster youth may face, attending college and building a successful future are possible! Today’s training will help equip you with the skills and resources to support your youth and help them turn their dreams into degrees.

This translates to $1 MILLION more dollars over your lifetime!
Education Pays Off Median Annual Salaries, by Education Level This translates to $1 MILLION more dollars over your lifetime! $61,400 $46,000 $36,800 H.S. Diploma Associate Degree Bachelor’s Degree Source: College Board, “Education Pays” (2016) Why is higher education so important? Simply put, the investment you make to pursue a college degree pays off in terms of future earnings. When added up over the course of one’s lifetime, the difference in earnings can equal to a million more dollars! Source:

Education Pays Off in Other Ways...
Lower unemployment rates Improved health outcomes Increased civic participation (ex: higher voting & lower incarceration rates) Greater likelihood of one’s children attending college Increased career satisfaction Not only do college graduates earn more on average, but they also have greater job stability and lower rates of unemployment. College is the key to ensuring economic security. Nationally, 65% of all jobs will require postsecondary education by 2020. On the flip side, there are fewer options for those without college degrees now, and there's more competition for jobs that pay less and have less security. Investing in a college degree is a much better deal- you have more options that pay better, too! A college degree is also associated with other positive life outcomes such as improved health outcomes, increased civic participation and greater likelihood of one’s children attending college. The goal isn’t just getting foster youth a job, but helping them achieve meaningful careers, and become self-actualized adults. It’s thinking beyond self-sufficiency, and recognizing that higher education is a key part of achieving well-being. Sources:

College Aspirations vs. College Realities
91% want to go to college This study looks at foster youth students within California. Our foster youth understand that a college degree is desirable - 91% report that they want to go to college. However, aspiring to college and making it through to that degree are two different things. Source: CalYouth Study ( page 64.

43% enroll in college Foster youth face many obstacles and information gaps along the way - only 43% end up enrolling in community college in California. Source: At Greater Risk ( page 12.

8% complete a degree Once in college, foster youth also experience unique challenges - resulting in just 8% completing a 2- year or 4-year degree by the age of 26. Many foster youth face unique barriers that are linked with poor academic outcomes for foster youth. Foster youth often get labeled as “not college material” or “not college ready.” It is important to be aware of the factors, ranging from frequent changes in school, trauma and lack of information or support, that may be contributing to their current performance in school and know that these youth, in spite of these challenges, can still go to college and be successful. It’s up to us, as caring and supportive adults, to continue to help them reach their goals and believe in their potential. Depending on their goals and their current progress in school, there is a college path for everyone. Source: 8% is from the Midwest study ( page 20.

A College Path for Everyone
Understanding available higher education options The term “college” can mean a lot of things. While the common college experience portrayed in the media is that of a first-time college freshmen enrolling directly at a four-year university, there are in fact many more paths available. Foster youth should be empowered with information about these various paths so that they can make the choice that is best for them at this point in time.

Finding Your Best Fit Type of College Example What to Know…
Public 2-Year: California Community College (CCC) Public 4-Year: Cal State University (CSU) or University of California (UC) East Los Angeles College Affordable option for a 2-year degree (Associate’s Degree), certificate or CTE program, or transfer path to a 4-year school Many resources and supports for foster youth Smaller classes, but often a longer time for completion More accessible: No GPA minimum, admissions tests or essays. Open to everyone! Priority transfer admission to CSU’s, UC’s, and more than 37 HBCUs! Close to home, but generally no housing available CSU Long Beach or UCLA Affordable option for a 4-year degree (bachelor’s degree) Many resources and supports for foster youth Typically larger class sizes Have a selective admissions process that requires testing and essays Higher tuition than community colleges but financial aid is available Generally offer housing (ex: dorms, apartments) Depending on your student’s educational goals, learning styles, and other preferences, there is sure to be a type of higher education institution that is a good fit for them. It’s important to understand the various college pathways available to students. Facilitator’s Note: Use this as an opportunity for group interaction. Ask if they can identify examples for each type of college or things to know before showing the responses in each box. CTE stands for Career and Technical Education. Let the audience know that we will talk about about these programs shortly, but it’s important to note that they are offered at our community colleges. HBCU stands for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, many of which are located across the U.S. south and east coast. Some participating HBCUs include Fisk University (where Congressman John Lewis attended) and Tuskegee University (home of the famous Tuskegee Airmen, who fought in World War II). To learn more about transfer to HBCU schools, visit:

Finding Your Best Fit Type of College Example What to Know…
Private college or university Out-of-state college or university Typically more expensive 4-year degree at a UC or CSU, however, financial aid may be available Some have smaller class sizes Typically have a selective admissions process that requires testing and essays Foster youth specific resources vary by school Generally offer housing (ex: dorms, apartments) USC Typically more expensive than a 4-year degree at a UC or CSU, however, financial aid may be available Large and small class sizes Can provide a new environment, or can be culture shock Admissions processes vary by school Foster youth specific resources vary by school Housing options will vary by school Arizona State University Regardless of which of these paths a student choses, those who enroll in college directly after high school are 40% more likely to persist in college than those who take a year or more off. Facilitator’s Note: Use this as an opportunity for group interaction. Ask if they can identify examples for each type of college or things to know before showing the responses in each box.

Career & Technical Ed. (CTE)
Can be shorter programs (ex: months) Financial aid is available Many CTE programs offered at community colleges, which foster youth can often attend for free Programs prepare students for good-paying jobs in specific industries Manufacturing Transportation Agriculture Architecture Bio Technology Culinary Arts Construction Fashion Healthcare And more! Earn a Plumbing Technology certificate at L.A. Trade Tech and make $60,000! Career & Technical Education include fields such as building trades and construction, graphic design, fashion design, auto repair, health care, energy technology, paralegal, cosmetology and more! Can be shorter term programs leading to certificates and increased wages They provide targeted, career-focused training Financial aid is available for CTE programs as well Many CTE programs are now found at local community colleges which many foster youth can attend for free. This is much more affordable than private and for-profit vocational programs, or Proprietary Schools.

PROPRIETARY OR FOR-PROFIT (PRIVATE) VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS
Costs more than similar community college programs High rates of student debt Poor job outcomes Some are under federal investigation Use extreme caution before enrolling In recent years, several proprietary institutions have come under scrutiny for the poor employment outcomes of their graduates. In some cases, graduates struggle to find employment and may even have difficulty repaying any student loans that they took out to cover the costs of their education. Overall, it is important to take into consideration the cost of these private institutions and encourage students to explore all of their options to avoid unnecessary debt. Some institutions lead to higher debt and do not necessarily lead to favorable employment outcomes, wage gains or expanded career opportunities. One tip for foster youth who are interested in vocational education is to consult the California Student Aid Commission website for a list of schools that are approved for use of Cal Grant dollars as these institutions have demonstrated more favorable employment outcomes.

Tools for Exploring Career Paths
TIP: Do it together! Learn what the cost of living is in your community and what you need to earn using the Living Wage Calculator: livingwage.mit.edu Take a career assessment, explore careers, and find California Community College programs with My Path: Find degree programs that match your career interests with Here to Career, a mobile app developed by the CA Community colleges. A free web-based career exploration system where students can learn about their career interests: Explore the real earnings of California Community College graduates, by program type, using Salary Surfer: salarysurfer.cccco.edu Here are many tools available to help youth find a meaningful career. These websites are a great activity to do together with your youth. Why is it important to help youth find a meaningful career? -Increases motivation and meaning to stay engaged in school -Decreases the likelihood of choosing the wrong degree which can lead to increased time and money -Goal is to get youth into meaningful careers and avoid college debt It’s best to begin this exploration in middle school. It’s never too early to start exploring youths dreams and careers. While not always possible, it’s ideal to first guide youth in exploring their career interests, then find the appropriate major or certificate to match their career interests and then help them determine which institutions offer programs that are in line with their career interests. Living Wage Calculator- online tool to estimate the cost of living in your community or region. The calculator lists typical expenses, the living wage and typical wages for the selected location. California Community Colleges “My Path”: Provides info on exploring careers, choosing a college, applying for college and paying for college – lists all CTEs in California!. My Path also includes career assessment tools through “Career Coach.” Facilitator’s Note: More information about salary surfer will be shared on the next slide. If you have access to internet, use this opportunity to demonstrate one of the website to familiarize the audience with the tool. You could also use this time to have caregivers to use their smartphones or tablets to try these tools on the spot.

Salary Surfer: Videos Medium Annual Salary
Explore the real earnings of California Community College graduates: salarysurfer.cccco.edu Videos Medium Annual Salary Example, median annual salary for a certificate in Computer Programming will make $50, years after graduating and $75,885 5-years after List of colleges that offer that program Salary Surfer provides salary information for the various programs offered at the California Community Colleges. Students can search by a specific field and learn about the various programs or certificates available. In this example, the results are shown for computer and information science. Students can explore the various curriculums within that field and watch videos to learn more about that program. In addition, students can find which community colleges offer the program that they are interested in.

Setting up Foster Youth for College Success
Resources and supports for foster youth Facilitator’s Note: Before we turn to the specifics of how to apply, it is important that caregivers understand that colleges today are prepared to meet their youth where they are at. There are numerous supports available to ensure that youth can achieve success once they get to college. Understanding the availability of these resources can be motivating for both youth and caregivers, and may even be helpful to both during the application process.

Often housed in the financial aid office
Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI)- /FosterYouthSuccessInitiatives.aspx At least one FYSI Liaison for foster youth is at each of the California community college campuses. Often housed in the financial aid office Each California community college has a Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI) Liaison The FYSI Liaison can be a great advocate and support for foster youth at their campus to successfully access financial aid, register for classes and get connected to meaningful support. A list of each FYSI Liaison can be found in the above link.

Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS) and Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
Helps low-income, educationally disadvantaged students complete their educational goals Most foster youth qualify! Offers academic counseling, book grants & more! Limited space, so apply early at time of application! All California community colleges offer EOP&S to enable low-income, educationally disadvantaged students to complete their educational goals. Foster youth are generally considered eligible for EOP&S. Students must be California residents (inclusive of students who meet California Dream Act/AB 540 criteria – which is further explained in the financial aid section). At CSU & UC campuses, this program is called EOP (Educational Opportunity Program). It will admit students who do not meet regular admission assistance, as well as those that meet regular admission criteria. These programs have limited space so it’s important to apply as early as possible. For CSU and UC schools, make sure to apply when doing the general admissions application. They provide a lot of great support such as more individualized academic counseling, book grants and more. Some exceptions can apply to allow for less than 12 units. You should always consult the local campus for the most up to date and detailed information.

NextUp (Formerly CAFYES)- nextup.cccco.edu
Academic and personal counseling; Emotional support Books & supplies Seminars & workshops Meal cards, bus passes, gas cards Tutoring Cultural events Agency and community referrals Students must be: Under age 26 In foster care on or after their 16th birthday Enrolled in at least 9 units Also apply for EOP&S Within EOP&S is NextUp, which was formerly called the CAFYES (Cooperating Agencies Foster Youth Education Support) Program. NextUp is a state funded program just for foster youth at 45 community colleges in California (as of 2018) 11 programs are currently located in Los Angeles County: East LA College, Long Beach City College, Los Angeles Valley College, Los Angeles Mission College, Los Angeles Pierce College, Los Angeles Trade Tech, Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles Southwest College, Los Angeles Harbor College, Pasadena City College, and West LA College. Some exceptions can apply to allow for less than 9 units. You should always consult the local campus for the most up to date and detailed information. Students must apply for EOP&S and CAFYES. Like EOP&S, students must be California residents (inclusive of California Dream Act/AB 540 students).

Foster Youth Campus Support Programs
Campus advocate Have a central touchpoint to serve as “one- stop” resource on campus Support specific to foster youth Offer workshops and partnerships tailored for FY Sense of Community Connect with others with similar experiences to normalize being a FY in college Additional Resources May offer meal vouchers and other resources to fill gaps Various names: Guardian Scholars, Renaissance Scholars, LINC, etc. Found at most community colleges, CSU’s, UC’s and some private schools Exact program eligbility requirements and services will vary by school. Most colleges, CSU’s and UC’s, and even some private schools, have foster youth campus support programs. In LA County, for example, every community college has a foster youth support program in addition to their Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI) Liaison for maximum support. Each program may have a different name, such as Guardian Scholars or Renaissance Scholars. These different names can make it confusing but students can always look up a program at the California College Pathways website, which is listed on an upcoming slide. These programs have different funding streams and can vary in the services they provide, the staff they have and the eligibility criteria for admission into the program. Many offer food assistance, such as food pantries, meals or food gift cards. Some also provide other support such as hygiene products, school supplies, tutoring or public transportation assistance Get students connected to these programs early on. The sooner the better! Attending college can be scary and overwhelming for many students, but helping facilitate a warm-handoff with the staff in these programs directly, before school even starts, can help a student feel more comfortable and supported.

General Campus Resources & Supports
CalWorks & CARE Counseling & Psychological Services Food Assistance Tutoring Student Disability Services Cultural Programing & Student Clubs In addition, colleges today offer a range of services to address the holistic needs of students. Programs like CalWorks & CARE can support students who are parenting, and are avialable at every community college. These programs offer additional resources such as job placement and child care. Mental health & well-being is an important component for every student’s success. For many students, the transition into college and young-adulthood can be difficult. College is often a stressful experience. In addition, foster youth have experienced complex trauma and may benefit from counseling or psychological services while in college. The impact of trauma doesn’t end simply because a student turned 18. Food insecurity is a common issue for college students. Many campuses provide food pantries, meal vouchers, or other types of food assistance. It’s important to note that, while low-income college students generally don’t qualify for Cal Fresh (i.e. food stamps), foster youth can receive these benefits if they are part of EOP/EOPS, CAFYES, Guardian Scholars, DSPS, or if they receive a Cal Grant or Chafee grant. Note: Additional Cal Fresh eligibility guidelines are available in All County Letter All campuses offer academic support services like tutoring and study skills workshops. Students can often access free one-on-one or group tutoring. All colleges and universities also offer student disability services for students with physical, mental, or learning disabilities etc. However, it’s up to the student to disclose if they have a disability in order to get the support they need. Students should be encouraged to proactively disclose their status early on, rather than waiting for a problem to arise. If a student had an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) in high school, they can share it with the office of student disability services to receive such support as: -Receiving full-time enrollment status while taking a reduced unit load (which can help with financial aid); -Assistance with note-taking; -Special test-taking conditions (ex: extra time, quiet environment); -Interpreters; and -Assistive technology -AB490 Liason can offer assistance Finally, most colleges and universities also offer cultural programming and student clubs. One example is Umoja, which is a community dedicated to supporting the cultural and educational experiences of African American students. These groups and clubs can provide a positive community and support for students.

www.student.cacollegepathways.org STUDENT RESOURCE PORTAL
*Find campus contact information here! The California College Pathways website has a lot of great resources for you and your youth, including a tab where you can search and find staff contact information for a college near youth. Just click “Find Campus Support Programs” to locate a Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI), NextUp, or campus support program staff member and their contact information for colleges throughout California. A version for adults and providers can be found at cacollegepathways.org

DCFS Independent Living Program
Youth who were in foster care or KinGAP at any time between ages can request an ILP Transition Coordinator to work with them until age 21. In addition to senior year expenses, ILP provides financial assistance with college tuition, books, supplies, transportation, clothing and other related college costs. The Individualized Transition Skills Program can also provide more one-on-one support. – you can subscribe for alerts! (877) (213) / 0101 DCFS provides voluntary support with college through their Independent Living Program. If a case is open, ask the CSW or DPO for the contact name of their ILP Transition Coordinator. If case is closed, youth can contact the Youth Development Services office or go on the website to view the staff list and locate the closest ILP worker near them. In the senior year of high school, youth can receive ILP funds to cover graduation expenses like cap and gown, yearbook photos, Prom ticket, etc. ILP also provides funding as a student transitions into college, such as assistance with tuition, textbooks or other supplies, transportation, clothing and other school-related items Youth can also request support with general life skills, such as budgeting and money management, through the Individualized Transition Skills Program (ITSP). This programs provides up to 2 years of one-on-one support and $300 in funding. To quaify, youth: -must be ILP eligible -must be age 16-20 -must be referred by social worker, probation officer, or ILP Transition Coordinator Caregivers can visit ILPonline.org to sign up for updates and alerts.

Education Planning Milestones
Helping foster youth chart a course to college As mentioned before, there are many pathways to higher education. This can include career and technical education, an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree. Which type of higher education is right for your youth will depend not only on their interests and goals, but also on their educational path in high school. Depending on the path that the youth chooses, there are various educational planning milestones for each grade that are necessary along the way to ensure that they reach their educational goal successfully.

Foster Youth Educational Planning Guide
Use the Foster Youth Educational Planning Guide for step-by-step information on how to prepare and apply to college Available for FREE at: Interaction Opportunity: Educational Planning Guide Facilitators may wish to use this as an opportunity to distribute the hard copies of the guide or to pull up the PDF version of the guide on the internet. Facilitators can walk caregivers through the guide and highlight some college planning milestones by grade level. The Foster Youth Educational Planning Guide can be a helpful tool to remember all the steps necessary from middle school to high school to successfully prepare a foster youth for postsecondary education. This guide also includes resources available to foster youth at both California community colleges and CSU and UC’s. In today’s training, we will just review the key educational planning milestones in 11th and 12th grade, however this guide includes important steps and details for 6th-10th grade as well.

College Readiness starts early!
Foundations for success in grades 9-10: ACADEMIC READINESS Meet with your school counselor Enroll in “A-G” college prep courses Maintain school attendance Seek tutoring, as needed CAREER EXPLORATION Take a career assessment Connect with ILP, such as Teen Club Create a resume Find a summer job/internship COLLEGE AWARENESS Attend a college fair Connect with ILP college tours Sign up for extracurricular activities and electives COLLEGE PLANNING Sign up for the PSAT or practice ACT in 10th grade (fee waiver available) While we are going to focus our time today on how to support youth in grades 11 and 12, it is important to note that preparing youth for college is a process that begins much earlier. There are activities that you can be doing with youth at every step along the way, particularly once they begin high school. Facilitator’s Note: Briefly highlight some of these early “building blocks” that caregivers should be mindful of, especially for those of you who may have younger students in your home as well. Many of these terms may be new to caregivers, even if they have an 11th grader. Here is some further information regarding some of the terms listed: What are “A-G”? The CSU’s and UC’s require the college preparatory pattern of classes referred to as the “a-g” courses for admission. There are specific requirements for each of the following categories listed. For example, Math requires 3-years of college-prep math that include or integrate the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two- and three-dimensional geometry. These are courses that are required between 9th-12th grade, so it’s important that students are enrolled into these courses in their junior and senior year as well, particularly if they are pursuing attendance at a CSU or UC. See page 13 of the Educational Planning Guide to learn more about the specific requirements for each category. Seeking tutoring, as needed. We will provide further information about where caregivers can get information about tutoring resources in an upcoming slide. PSAT (Practice Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and its equivalent, the ACT (American College Test) These exams will be required for students applying to a CSU, UC or some private 4-year colleges. It’s recommended that students take the practice exams in 10th grade to help prepare for these exams. Of course, not every student will meet all of these building blocks early in their high school career, so we will focus on what you can do now in grades 11 and 12 to make sure your youth gets up to speed and can still make a successful transition to college.

Grade 11: Preparing to Graduate
Meet with counselor; enroll in “A-G” courses Maintain attendance Seek tutoring & advocate for additional supports, if applicable Use summer to get ahead or make up classes Sign up for electives and extracurricular activities to explore careers Attend ILP Teen Club to meet career speakers Find a summer job/internship or part-time job after school Sign up for a dual enrollment college course, if available Begin visiting college websites to learn more about available majors Use summer break to visit a college campus Visit your library for free SAT or ACT study aids Request an SAT or ACT fee waiver from school counselor Take the SAT or ACT Use summer to prep or retake exam Maintaining academic performance is key in the junior year. Some other ideas not already referenced include advocating for additional supports and using your summers wisely, such as to make up a course grade or get ahead by taking another required or elective course. What are additional supports? School districts offer resources like Student/Child Study Teams and Response to Intervention meetings, which can help assess your student’s strengths and address concerns related to school attendance, behavior, or performance. Caregivers and social workers can request these meetings to involve more school staff in supporting your youth’s educational success. An Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) is a legal document tailored to your child’s specific needs and explains exactly what special education services your child must receive and why. The first step is to request a special education assessment via your child’s teacher, school administrator or district office, to determine if your child has a physical, learning, or socioemotional disability that is impacting their success in school. Note: “emotional disturbance” is a type of disability that can be considered for an IEP and other specialized school services With respect to career readiness, students should think of their elective classes and after school activities as a chance to explore a career path. For example, they may be interested in taking photography or joining the school newspaper if they are interested in careers in the media arts. Again, youth should view summer as “time on” by finding a summer job or paid internship. To continue college exploration, youth might take a college course through dual enrollment. This permits youth to be simultaneously enrolled in the course for high school credit and for college credit. Classes may take place at a local community college campus. To learn about dual enrollment at your child’s school, reach out to their counselor. Even without the dual enrollment option, youth can continue learning about college by visiting college websites to learn about things like majors and campus life. The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and the American College Test (ACT) are two exams used by colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. These exams will be required for students applying to a CSU, UC or some private 4-year colleges. Youth can find free study books at their school or local city library, and can also find free practice problems online. For the exam itself, foster youth qualify for a fee waiver and should not have to pay for these exams. Students can speak to their high school counselor to receive this fee waiver.

Grade 12: Staying Focused
Meet with counselor; enroll in “A-G” courses Maintain attendance Seek tutoring & advocate for additional supports, if applicable Sign up for electives and extracurricular activities to explore careers Attend ILP Teen Club to meet career speakers Find a summer job/internship or part-time job after school Sign up for a dual enrollment college course, if available Visit colleges in person or take a virtual tour to determine which colleges to apply to Narrow down college major interests Request fee waivers and take or retake the SAT or ACT Request fee waivers and submit college applications Complete financial aid applications Connect with ILP and college programs Maintaining academic performance is key in the senior year, as well as continuing with career exploration activities such as utilizing ILP resources like Teen Club. The senior year will also include many important milestones related to college and financial aid application. We will detail these out in the next few slides as they are fairly detailed processes.

Grade 12: Applying to a CSU or UC
Retake the SAT or ACT, if needed – request additional fee waiver from counselor Apply to 4 CSUs & 4 UCs for free via with a fee waiver Pay attention to college application deadlines – they can differ by college Self-identify as a foster youth on the application to learn about services later Indicate if you want on-campus housing at each campus- foster youth qualify for priority housing Apply for EOP. This application is embedded within the CSU application. Take advantage of priority registration for foster youth, if eligible. Find campus support program staff on CA College Pathways website UC Application admissions.universityofcalifornia.edu Aug. 1 – Nov. 30th CSU Application www2.calstate.edu/apply Oct. 1 – Nov. 30th In addition to the activities we discussed in the previous slide, students in Grade 12 should be mindful of certain college and financial aid application milestones. Let’s take a closer look at the college application milestones first. Students can retake or take the SAT or ACT in the fall semester. Students can receive application fee waivers to apply for CSU and UC for free (up to 4 campuses each). Students will be automatically screened for fee waiver eligibility when they complete their online applications. Foster youth who are California residents (including undocumented students) will usually qualify baed on their income and household size. For more information on CSU fee waiver eligibility, visit: For more information on UC fee waiver eligibility, visit: For students applying to CSU and UC, November 30th will be the admissions deadline. If a student is applying to a private college, such as USC or Loyola Marymount, they will need to check the deadline for that particular campus. Community college application periods generally happen in the spring, but again can vary by the exact college. Students may wish to apply to a community college as a back-up option after they complete their CSU/UC applications. If an application asks students about their foster care status (ex: “Are you or were you ever in foster care?”), encourage your student to check the box to disclose their status. This information is often used by colleges to outreach to foster youth about special services and resources that are available on campus. This information does not affect the youth’s admissions outcome. When they are applying, youth should also indicate their interest in on-campus housing, if available. Foster youth are eligible to receive priority consideration for housing on CSU and UC campuses. Even if they are not yet sure what their housing plans may be, it is important to apply for housing early as there are usually more students seeking housing than there is housing available. Students can always decline housing later if they make alternative arrangements. Lastly, for students applying to CSU, they should be sure to complete the EOP portion of the application in order to receive EOP services. Some UC’s have an EOP program, and must complete a separate application. Priority registration is a big help, as sometimes the classes that a youth may need for a major or field of study can be very popular. Courses can fill up quickly so priority registration helps you register early while space is still available. Eligibility: For the CSU’s, foster youth who were in care on or after their 16th birthday and are under the age of 26 can qualify. All UC’s have priority registration, but their eligibility criteria varies. In addition to EOP, students should find out about each campus’ foster youth support program and apply as well to get connected to addition supports and resources. At times, colleges may request that students pay certain fees, such as a housing deposit, before courses begin. Youth should turn to campus staff and to their ILP Transition Coordinator for assistance. A college may also grant a deadline extension until the youth receives their financial aid, or ILP may be able to provide some financial assistance. Students should also apply for financial aid in their senior year of high school, whether they are planning on attending a CSU, UC or community college. This will be discussed in more detail in the next section.

Grade 12: Applying to CA Community Colleges
Apply at in the Spring. Deadlines vary by college. Self-identify as a foster youth on the application to learn about services later Apply for EOP&S, and NextUp if offered, as soon as possible Find campus support program staff on CA College Pathways website Foster youth receive priority registration at community college by completing 3 steps listed below. Contact your college or learn more about the process at: Assessment Students are placed into English and math courses based on their high school grades, GPA, and other factors Orientation Students learn about available campus services, relevant college policies, and make connections with key staff Education Planning Students declare an educational goal, such as transfer or associate degree, and complete an educational plan with a counselor It’s free for students to apply to California community colleges Many foster youth support programs outreach to foster youth to get them linked to support if they check off the box that indicates that they are a foster youth Encourage youth to apply early to support programs such as EOPS & NextUp (CAFYES). EOP&S can be competitive to get into and is helpful to students early on. Similar to students applying to a CSU or UC, students should find out about each campus’ foster youth support program and apply as well to get connected to addition supports and resources. Lastly, it is worth highlighting that the enrollment process at community college has changed. Students should plan to connect to a college in the spring semester of their high school year in order to complete their application, and then complete the 3 steps that are needed before they can register for courses. As noted previously, Priority registration is a big help, as sometimes the classes that a youth may need for a major or field of study can be very popular. Courses can fill up quickly so priority registration helps you register early while space is still available. Eligibility is the same as the CSU’s: Foster youth who were in care on or after their 16th birthday and are under the age of 26 can qualify. Students can learn more about it by contacting their college or going to

Where to Get Support High School Counselor: can help youth obtain a fee waiver for the SAT or ACT and make sure they are taking the right classes to reach their goals. Foster Youth District Liaison (AB 490 Liaison): can help collect transcripts from different schools, assist students in obtaining partial credits to stay on track for graduation, identify tutoring resources at the district and in the community, and assist with determinations for AB 167/216 (graduation requirements for foster youth). Child and Family Team (CFT) Meeting: can be used to make a plan to identify adults to help foster youth with various parts of the college application and identify available resources, such as ILP services. Navigating the college matriculation process can be overwhelming and confusing, even for caregivers. There are a range of resources and supports to assist caregivers and youth throughout this process, including within the school and within DCFS. AB 490 liaisons are at each K-12 district Further information about AB 167/216, and other educational rights of foster youth can be found in the provided handout created by the Alliance for Children’s Rights. An electronic version is also available at: Under Senate Bill 12 (Beall)—which was passed in 2017 and went into effect in 2018, social workers must identify in a youth’s case plan who will be assisting them with their college and financial aid applications. The youth or social worker might suggest using the CFT Meeting as an opportunity to proactively develop a plan and bring in various adults to play supporting roles. For example, a youth may identify an older sibling, teacher, basketball coach, or ILP coordinator to play different supporting roles. Facilitator’s Note: For caregivers interested in a comprehensive list of resources, facilitators may print and distribute the “Additional Resources” page found at the end of the Facilitator’s Guide.

Paying for College Understanding financial aid resources and processes
Going to college can be expensive, but there are a lot of financial resources available to foster youth to make college affordable and attainable. This section will provide an overview about the importance of financial aid, the various types of aid available and how to apply to receive it. Understanding financial aid can be confusing and overwhelming for students, so it is helpful to be aware of some of the basics of this process so that you can provide them with support and guidance.

85% Who gets financial aid?
of first-time full-time undergraduates received some type of financial aid in the school year There is a lot of misinformation out there about financial aid. From what it is and what it covers, to who gets it. It’s easy to assume that most college students are paying for college on their own or with the help of family, when the reality is that the overwhelming majority of students receive some type of financial aid. Facilitator’s Note: this statistic is specific to those students who are enrolling for the first-time and who are going to school on a full-time basis. Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. (2017). The Condition of Education 2017 (NCES ),

Free Resource: Financial Aid Guide for CA Foster Youth
www. student.cacollegepathways.org/ financial-aid or While most students receive financial aid, applying for financial aid and understanding the process can feel intimidating and confusing. Today we will highlight some key steps in the process, however this student-friendly Financial Aid Guide for California Foster Youth takes the mystery out of applying for and keeping financial aid. This comprehensive and FREE guide begins with an explanation of different types of financial aid available, includes a step-wise guide to completing the FAFSA, tips on what to do after the FAFSA to ensure maximum aid awards, and explains how to stay in good standing and keep getting financial assistance for school. For those of you with 12th graders, students will have to apply for financial aid in their senior year. When the time is right for your student, this guide can be an excellent resource for both students and caregivers.

Free Resource: Visual Guide
www. cacollegepathways.org/financial-aid or The Visual Guide accompanies the Financial Aid Guide for CA Foster Youth and provides screen shots of each page of the FAFSA and includes detailed instructions for each question. The Visual Guide can assist anyone who is new to this application easily complete the form.

Definition of “Financial Need”
Amount student is able to “contribute” to COA. Generally is based on income, assets, household size, etc. Cost of Attendance (COA) Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Demonstrated Financial Need Total amount it costs to attend college, including: tuition, housing, books, supplies, etc. Financial Aid: can include grants, scholarships, loans, etc. To make sure there is enough financial aid to go around, colleges and universities make sure that no student is receiving more financial aid then they actually need to cover the cost of attendance. Cost of attendance refers to the total amount it takes to enroll, and is based on tuition (whether you are taking a full-time or part-time course load), as well as other costs, like textbooks and supplies, housing, and transit. Each school creates a budget to reflect their cost of attendance Schools then factor in each student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC), or the amount that is reasonable for a student and their family to contribute toward their college costs. Generally, EFC is based on factors like household size and family income. We will discuss in more detail how a foster youth’s EFC is estimated Schools will subtract the EFC from the cost of attendance to calculate the student’s financial need

What do we mean by “Financial Aid”?
Gift Aid (Free) Grants = *FREE Money! Scholarships = *FREE Money! Fee Waiver = FREE Classes! Financial aid can come from the state or federal government, from colleges or universities directly, and from private organizations and companies. Work (Earn) Work-Study = EARN a paycheck Loans (Pay Back) Loans = PAY BACK with interest *Students are expected to attend and successfully complete classes There are many different types of financial aid. The best type of financial aid is gift aid, which is free money that does not to be repaid, so long as the student upholds their part of the bargain and attends class and makes adequate progress toward graduation. Gift aid most often takes the form of a grant or scholarship. These types of gift aid may be given out on a one-time basis or may be renewable over the course of a few years. Facilitator’s Note: The “Additional Resources” section of the Facilitator’s Guide includes a list of scholarships that are specifically for foster youth; you may print and distribute this document for your workshop attendees. A fee waiver acts like gift aid but is applied to college tuition fees, effectively making classes free. One common type of fee waiver is the California College Promise (formerly the California Community Colleges Board of Governors Fee Waiver), which provides access to free community college courses. Work-Study provides paid, part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. Often, work-study jobs are available on campus and can relate to your students’ major or career interests. Like with any other job, students earn their money as they work (often get paid every 2 weeks, based on the hours they work). This can be a good way to youth to develop work experience, as well as develop time management skills. Work-study funds do not need to be paid back. Unlike grant aid or work-study, student loans do need to be repaid and often with interest. Youth should keep in mind, however, that student loans can be a positive investment, unlike other types of debt (e.g. credit card debt). Loans should always be the last resort, once other types of aid are sought. Subsidized loan – the government or lender pays for interest while the student is in school. Once the student leaves school, they will be responsible for the loan amount and any interest that begins to accrue. Unsubsidized loan – interest accumulates while the student is in school. Once the student leaves school, they are responsible for paying the full loan amount, plus any interest already accumulated and any interest that will accrue going forward. Where does all this aid come from? The government is a major source of financial aid, offering grants, work-study, and student loans. Colleges and universities also offer many grants and scholarships Lastly, there are many community groups, organizations, and private companies that offer scholarships. You might inquire with your local church/synagogue/temple/place of worship, city government, Kiwanis/Elks/civic club, local banks, local businesses, and employers.

Maintaining Financial Aid: Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
With the exception of student loans, financial aid does not need to be repaid if the student holds up their end of the bargain. SAP standards ensure that students are successfully completing their coursework and making progress to their goal. Each school has a SAP policy that determines who is eligible to continue receiving financial aid. If students fail to meet SAP standards, they will be placed on financial aid warning or suspension. In some cases, a student may be asked to repay their aid for failing to complete course work.

How to Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.ed.gov or via the new mobile app called “My Student Aid” If the applicant is a U.S. Citizen, a permanent resident or other eligible non-citizen: Complete the CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) at dream.csac.ca.gov Note: Students can complete a CADAA whether or not they have DACA; students with a temporary social security number issued through DACA should submit a CADAA, not a FAFSA. If the applicant is an undocumented immigrant: What does it mean to be California Dream Act eligible? Assembly Bill 540 exempts certain students who are undocumented from paying non-resident tuition and to qualify for certain types of California state and university aid. Learn more at dream.csac.ca.gov. The California Dream Act (CADA) allows undocumented and nonresident documented students who meet certain provisions to apply for and receive private scholarships funded through public universities, state-administered financial aid, university grants, community college fee waivers, and Cal Grants. Students who were granted a temporary social security number and work permit through the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program should apply for state financial aid through CADAA. A student does not, however, need to have active DACA status in order to apply for the CADAA. Paper applications are also available, however it is recommended to apply online to avoid any errors. Note: the California Student Aid Commission keeps CADAA applicant data confidential. Applicant data is not shared with or disclosed to any federal agencies, including immigration enforcement. L.A. County has partnered with several foundations and legal aid service providers to offer FREE legal aid services for immigrant youth and families. Learn more about the L.A. Justice Fund and find a legal aid provider at:

Note on Special Immigration Juvenile Status (SIJS)
Undocumented children involved in adoption or guardianship proceedings who have been adopted, abused or neglected may be able to obtain SIJS and apply to become a lawful permanent resident (LPR) Students with a pending application for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status are not eligible for federal financial aid If an undocumented student does not have an application for SIJS pending, the child welfare agency should be contacted to see if that is the right option for the youth Foster youth who are undocumented immigrants may qualify to receive Special Immigration Juvenile Status and should be referred to the DCFS Immigration Unit as soon as possible for eligibility screening and visa processing. More information is available here: Undocumented students should submit the CADAA until they have received permanent resident status (e.g., a Green Card). After a student receives permanent resident status, they should submit the FAFSA. A student who has permanent resident status is eligible for federal student aid.

When to Apply Apply EARLY to get the maximum aid award as possible
Priority application period for FAFSA/CADAA is October 1-March 2 before the start of the school year that you will begin college School years begin in the Fall term. If a student is applying for summer session, that is usually part of the previous academic year Apply EARLY to get the maximum aid award as possible Community college students may apply up until September 2, but some aid is first-come, first-served Colleges may have earlier priority deadlines, so check directly with each school’s financial aid office Continuing students can still apply for aid, even if late

What Youth Need to File FAFSA or CADAA
Social Security Number or Alien Registration Number Address List of up to 10 colleges Student's tax or income information for the prior-prior year* TIP: Make sure students know their name exactly as it appears on their Social Security Card TIP: Use an address that students check often. Avoid high school s that often expire. Facilitator’s Note: *When a student applies for the FAFSA or CADAA, they will be asked to provided tax or income information from the ”prior-prior” year. For example, if they are filling out an application for the academic school year (which has a priority application period of October 1 - March 2), they will be asked to provide financial information for 2017.

Dependency Determination
Dependency Status on the FAFSA Dependency Determination Current or former foster youth may qualify for “Independent Student Status” on the FAFSA if they can answer “Yes” to any part of either of these two questions: “At any time since you turned age 13, were both your parents deceased, were you in foster care, or were you a dependent or ward of the court?” OR “Does someone other than your parents or stepparent have legal guardianship of you, as determined by a court in your state of legal residence?” While we won’t discuss every question on the FAFSA application today, this is probably the most significant section for foster youth, so it is important to inform them that they may qualify for Independent Status depending on when they were in foster care. If they can answer yes to either of these questions, they will not need to fill out the Parent Demographics Section. If they qualify for independent status, they will be directed to the following section to complete only financial information for themselves. Foster parents, relative caregivers and legal guardians do not qualify as “parents” on the FAFSA. It is important that your child does not provide your financial information on the FAFSA. They may qualify for less money if you do so. Even if the youth was in foster care, or was a dependent or ward of the court, for just one day after they turned 13, they qualify as a independent student for the purposes of the FAFSA. If the youth was a dependent or ward of the court, but remained in the legal custody of their parents, they are not consider a ward of the court for the purposes of the FAFSA and therefore do not qualify for “Independent Status” on the FAFSA. Other groups can also qualify for independent status, such as individuals who are married, have children or are in the military. Some foster youth may qualify for Independent Status within one of the other categories. These questions are presented one-by-one when filling out an electronic application. Once they answer Yes to any of the questions, the remaining questions will not be asked.

Additional Special Considerations for Foster Youth
Foster youth DO NOT have to report the following information in the financial section : Extended Foster Care (AB 12) benefits, commonly known as SILP payments, even if SILP payments are sent directly to youth. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Foster youth should self-identify on the FAFSA by marking yes to the question asking: “are you a foster youth or were you at any time in the foster care system” Here is some additional information about special considerations for foster youth to be mindful of on the FAFSA. By self-identifying on the FAFSA as a foster youth, students may get connected with additional resources and supports on their campus. Facilitator’s Note: SILP payments do not need to be reported, including the infant supplement if you have a parenting youth.

Common Type of Federal Aid
Federal Pell Grant Awards up to $6,095 per academic year plus an additional $2,960 during the summer if enrolled full-time Award amount is pro-rated if enrolled less than full-time. For low-income students, which most foster youth qualify for. FREE cash for college! There are many different types of financial aid that students may qualify for after they complete their FAFSA or CADAA. The Pell Grant is one common type of grant they may from the federal government. While undocumented students are not eligible for Pell Grant, they may be eligible for Cal Grants.

Common Types of State Aid
Cal Grant Can help pay for tuition and fees at an eligible California institution and up to $1,672 per year for cost of living Must be a California resident or meet CA Dream Act eligible criteria with financial need. Foster youth attending community college have until September 2 to apply; all others must apply by March 2* CA College Promise Grant (formerly Board of Governor’s Fee Waiver) Waives community college enrollment fees for eligible low-income students Must be a California resident or meet CA Dream Act eligible criteria Foster youth can maintain, regardless of academic progress Cal Grant: Cal Grants are FREE cash for college in California for students. Students must be CA residents or eligible immigrant students. Students must meet income eligibility, get at least a 2.0 GPA and submit a FAFSA or CADAA by the deadline. Students must receive a high school diploma or high school equivalency test. IMPORTANT NOTE: There are many different types of Cal Grants. In 2018, the Governor approved changes to the Cal Grant entitlement that expand eligibility criteria for foster youth listed above. Now, foster youth can apply up until age 26 Can renew their Cal Grant for 8 years, instead of 4 years. Foster youth who are attending community college have until September 2 to apply, instead of March 2nd . High school students must make sure that their high school submits their GPA verification form by the deadline. It is the students responsibility to ensure that that their high school submits their GPA. It their GPA is not submitted and matched with their FAFSA/CADAA application, they will not qualify for the Cal Grant. Only 10% of foster youth get the Cal Grant, so it is important to help them apply while they are a senior in high school. CA College Promise Grant (formerly California Community Colleges BOG Fee Waiver)- Most foster youth qualify for this fee waiver, since they are low-income. Generally, students lose this fee waiver if they are on academic probation for two-terms, however foster youth can maintain their waiver even if on academic probation for 2 or more terms allowing them to attend school for free. As we discussed previously, there are many other costs associated with going to college such as books, school supplies, housing, food, and transportation. Even if your student qualifies for the CA College Promise Grant, they should still apply for further financial aid to assist with these other costs of attending college. Facilitator’s Note: Please see the Facilitator’s Guide for further information on the GPA verification process for CalGrant. GPA MUST BE SUBMITTED AND MATCHED TO QUALIFY

Three Steps to Maximizing Aid
Complete the FAFSA or CADAA (30-45 minutes) Complete the Chafee Grant application (5-10 minutes) Create a WebGrants Account (5 minutes) Filling out the FAFSA or California Dream Act application is just the first step in applying for financial aid. There are actually three key steps to receiving the maximum aid possible. We will explain next more about the Chafee Grant and Webgrants account.

Applying for the Chafee Grant
Up to $5,000 of FREE money for eligible foster youth Applying for the Chafee Grant After submitting the FAFSA or CADAA, first time applicants only must submit a separate Chafee Grant Application online at chafee.csac.ca.gov Students can receive the money for up to 5 years (whether or not consecutive) Can be used at community colleges, 4-year universities or qualified vocational-trade programs. This money can also be used at colleges out-of-state. Eligibility criteria can be found on the website. The Chafee grant provides up to $5,000 of free money for current and former foster youth that meet the eligibility requirements to help pay for college or career and technical education. To get this money though, they must complete a separate application after they have completed the FAFSA or CADAA. This can be completed online or on a paper application. Note: undocumented immigrant students who file a CADAA must submit their Chafee Grant application using the paper form. Applicants only need to apply for the first time. After they have applied and received money they do not need to reapply each year. Their foster youth status will be automatically verified through the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), so they will not need to provide a Ward of the Court Letter Students should apply by the March 2nd deadline in order to get the maximum award amount. Students can still apply after the March 2nd deadline, but may not receive as much money. Students can use this money at community colleges, 4-year universities or qualified vocational-trade programs. This money can also be used at colleges out-of-state. Eligibility Criteria: Be a current or former foster youth who was a dependent or ward of the court, living in foster care, at any time between the ages of 16 and 18 Youth who were/are in kin-gap, non-related guardianship or were adopted, are eligible only if a dependent or ward of the court, living in foster care, was established between age 16-18 Not have reached your 26th birthday as of July 1 of the award year Have financial need Must be a California resident or meet CA Dream Act eligible criteria Students are not required to have a high school diploma Previously, the Chafee Grant was only for foster youth ages 21 and under, however, California revised the eligibility requirements in Foster youth who were previously ineligible because they were over 21 can now qualify if they up until the age of 26 and will be automatically re-enrolled.

Creating a WebGrants Account mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov
WebGrants is the secure online portal where students can manage their Cal Grant and Chafee Grant awards Students can also update school information, address changes, and make other corrections Select “Create an Account” to begin Facilitator’s Note: Further information about Webgrants is provided in the Facilitator’s Guide.

Check and student portal regularly for updates and respond to any requests for additional information Obtain a copy of your Ward of the Court Letter (may be requested to verify foster care status) Connect with ILP to learn about other scholarships, financial assistance, and assistance with life skills like money management After the FAFSA Ward of the Court Letter can be obtained for your social worker, ILP Coordinator, or by calling the state Foster Care Ombudsman Office at Students will receive information about their financial aid application via so it is very important that they check their regularly This will include an about their student aid report (SAR), which has details about the student’s eligibility for federal student aid. Get the student connected to support in their financial aid office to review, accept and understand their SAR. Ideally this would be someone such as a Foster Youth Liaison. Financial aid offices will often communicate with students via and ask for further information or documentation. In fact, 30% of all students get flagged for a general verification of income reported. If a student fails to provide the requested information they may not be able to receive their financial aid- it is critical that they regularly check their and student portal. Some students may even have to provide verification if they did not file taxes through a form called a Non-filing Verification Letter. Filing out these forms may be confusing or take time to complete and process. Please refer to the Financial Aid Guide for CA Foster Youth for further details or connect the student to the financial aid office for support. A Ward of the Court Letter provides verification of when a foster youth entered and exited foster care. It does not provide any details about what circumstances led them to enter care. A student may be asked to provide this letter to verify foster care status for the purposes of accessing priority registration, or to participate in a foster youth support program such as Guardian Scholars or NextUp. The Chafee Grant automatically verifies foster youth status for foster youth from the state of California. As of November 2018, foster youth who were in care in California after their 13th birthday will also be automatically verified for the purposes of Independent Status on the FAFSA and will not have to provide a ward of the court letter. Facilitator’s Note: SB 12 passed in January 1, 2018 to automate the foster youth verification process for the purposes of the FAFSA, however this was not implemented until November 14th, This is a new system. If there is an error, such as students do not list the appropriate school code of where they will be attending, the student will need to provide an alternate form of foster youth verification such as a Ward of the Court letter. Further information about the Non-Filing Verification Letter can also be found in the Facilitator’s Guide, given the complexity of this process for some students.

Financial aid helps, but do youth access it?
Even though we know that financial aid makes a difference, and even though foster youth qualify for a range of financial aid, we can see that many foster youth still struggle to access it. Filling out the FAFSA and applying for financial aid can be a complicated and overwhelming process. That is why it is so critical that foster youth are connected to support to help them receive the financial aid that they are eligible for and avoid leaving money on the table. Sources: 1 2

Foster youth who access financial aid have better outcomes
While financial aid is a confusing topic, taking the time and seeking support to complete applications accurately is well worth the effort! Research shows that foster youth who access financial aid have more success in college – from higher GPAs to higher graduation rates. Training suggestion: Use this slide as an opportunity to share photos of foster youth students and graduates from your local college to continue to promote the message that college is possible. Partner with your local Guardian Scholars or NextUp program to gather photos.

Filing for Financial Aid College Pathways & Supports
Grade 11 Milestones College Applications 101 Filing for Financial Aid College Pathways & Supports DCFS Resources Facilitator’s Note: This slide is added to incorporate a fun, Jeopardy-style quiz to check for participant understanding and knowledge. The Facilitator’s Guide includes more steps on how to facilitate this activity, as well as sample questions. Jeopardy Game Show: Facilitator can divide the group into teams, depending on size. For example, a group of 12 could be broken down to 3 teams of 4. Participants can count off to form teams and rearrange seats to sit together. Each team member will have the chance to call a Jeopardy category and dollar value. Facilitator should refer to the accompanying handout for category questions. We recommend keeping a team score grid on a whiteboard or on charting paper to track team’s progress. If possible, facilitator can provide a prize to the winning team, such as college swag or similar.

The single most important factor influencing a positive outcome for
children and youth is a lasting relationship with a caring, engaged adult. We have covered a lot of ground today and hope you are leaving with plenty of new and helpful information. Before we close, though, it is important to acknowledge the important role you can play—even if you don’t always have all the information at your fingertips. Just as the college application process can generate a range of feelings—dread, fear, confusion, frustration—for us as adults, it can also do the same for our students. Your youth may experience stress during this process and may manifest that stress in different ways, such as avoidance, or shutting down. It is important to remain patient and encouraging, and to continue to support youth throughout the college application, and well beyond. Starting college may bring a new set of stressors so it is important to check in with your youth to see how they are transitioning, and to encourage youth to make use of all the supports that are available to them at their new school.

So now, what will YOU do? Facilitator’s Note: As discussed throughout the training, caregivers can play an active role in supporting their youth to college. Lastly, ask the group the question on the slide that states, “So now, what will YOU do?” Ask each caregiver to share aloud one thing that they plan to do differently with their youth within the next 30 days to support them in achieving a higher education based on what they have learned in this training.

Thank you! Insert your contact information on this slide.

TURNING DREAMS INTO DEGREES

Similar presentations

Presentation on theme: "TURNING DREAMS INTO DEGREES"— Presentation transcript:

Similar presentations

About project

Feedback

Log in

Auth with social network:

TURNING DREAMS INTO DEGREES

Similar presentations

Presentation on theme: "TURNING DREAMS INTO DEGREES"— Presentation transcript:

Similar presentations

About project

Feedback