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College Bound (Educational Program)
Statistics show 70% of foster youth report wanting to go to college, while only
13% attend and at best 3% graduate (a 23% graduation rate compared to 45% for the
general population). While support for emancipated college bound foster youth exists
in the form of scholarships and other services, the statistics reveal persistent
gaps in positive outcomes; gaps created by a lack of the basic resources required
for college life, including the focused and consistent encouragement of an extended
family.
Each year, the Just in Time family will comes together to give dozens of transitioning
foster youth the resources and encouragement they need to begin a new life chapter
as college students. Participating youth connect with potential lifelong mentors
and successful JIT CB Alumni, receive laptops and printers, learn valuable tips
on money management, legal matters and practical purchases, and pair up with a JIT
volunteer guide for a shopping spree to buy essential dorm furnishings and school
supplies.
Our recent online survey of current JIT program participants showed:
*74% are in college school
*25% expect to graduate in 2011
*27% are on track to graduate in 2012
*90% rated receipt of a laptop/printer as having a "tremendous impact" on their
lives
JIT Faculty members tutor college students who need additional academic support
and instruction in specific subjects. They also provide counsel regarding the most
appropriate college track and courses while offering perspective about the challenges
of academic life.
Impact: In five years, College Bound has helped more than 170 youth
toward success in college. Beginning in 2006, JIT awarded its first group of 8 college
bound youth with resources for starting their college careers. In 2007, we awarded
25 youth; in 2008, 19 youth received awards; in 2009, 45 youth were awarded, in
2010 81 youth received assistance.
Recruitment—JIT actively recruits high school seniors in
the foster care system through our partnerships with numerous community agencies.
Application. To qualify for College Bound, a former foster youth
must: a) be enrolled in a two-year or four-year college program, b) complete a College Bound
application, c) submit a written essay, and d) provide a letter of recommendation.
The Program Director scrutinizes the applications to ensure they are complete and
then distributes them to members of the selection committee, who independently rate
each application and make the final award decision. Based on the recipients’
equipment requests, the Program Director determines the specific resources to be
provided.
Award. Each June/July, at the Casey Family Programs facility, each
recipient is paired with a JIT volunteer, awarded laptops and printers, and proceeds
to shop for dormitory/college housing items and school supplies.
Participation in Other JIT Programs. Awardees are given an overview
of all JIT programs and commit to participate in the
Financial Fitness program and the resources of
JIT Champions. We monitor youth progress through formal and informal methods.
Evaluation. Follow-up information is solicited from each College
Bound youth annually via an online survey.
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