College Bound (Educational Program)

Imagine the faces of these former foster youth who have been accepted to four-year colleges and need help at this single significant juncture—dormitory room deposits, books, dorm furnishings, etc. This help will forever change their lives and put them on the road to independence and success. Unlike other at-risk foster youth, they are beating the odds. Former College Bound youth are graduating college and getting jobs or continuing on for post-graduate/professional degrees.

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 150 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 56 youth were awarded (including Career Bound youth).

Carolina
JIT definitely made an impact in my life because if I wouldn't have received the services that JIT provided for me, I would have struggled much more transitioning to school and starting a new life in a new city. The laptop I received was very beneficial because it is a resource which opened doors for many more new resources.

Melissa
Providing me with a computer, a printer was a big impact. Before I would type up my papers on my e-mail, then save it as a draft, then go to school to print it out. On top of that, I had to pay for every paper I printed. Life is a lot easier having all the tools so that I can just get my school assignments done at home.

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 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.