Emergency/Basic Needs | My First Home | College Bound | Career Bound | Mentoring/JIT Champions | Financial Fitness | LEAP

Just In Time is Proud to have these College Bound Partners:

Donald C. & Elizabeth M. Dickinson Foundation * Christensen Family Foundation * Nordson Foundation * San Diego County Supervisors

   

               

"Just In Time has been there to provide support for me when I had nowhere else to turn. They have invested in me and my future in ways that no one else has that has enabled me to stand firmly on my own two feet. From the bottom of my heart, I will never forget the kind and generous nature of those who make Just In Time possible. You were there, Just in Time."

- Shandy, JIT participant
  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.

How It Works

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.