The transition to college can be tough for some and even harder for those transitioning from group homes to dorm life. To make that process a little easier, Albany State University has developed the “Fostering through College” initiative, a comprehensive support program that provides peer encouragement to former foster, homeless and orphaned youth. The program, which officially began July 1, serves as a connection to resources on ASU’s campus.

“Only 2 percent of youth who age out of the foster care system attend college,” said Kevius Bass, FTC program coordinator. “Of those individuals, less than 2 percent graduate.  Many of those students lack the necessary support system to be successful.”

As of September 2015, there were more than 11,000 children within the Georgia foster care system, according to the Georgia Department of Human Services. This number does not account for the thousands of individuals who are struggling to transition out of the system.

Through FTC, participants will receive comprehensive living support and extended housing availability. There are plans for campus and community champions, those who will receive training in mentoring students and helping FTC participants matriculate through college. Essential forums for students, including financial literacy and career preparedness, are also proposed.

“We have identified students that are foster youth here at Albany State University and after speaking with them, we took note of their critical concerns,” Bass said. “All expressed a need for academic support, financial assistance, interpersonal skills, leadership skills and housing assistance. Many students explained how hard it is to focus on academic priorities when you’re worried if you will have somewhere to live during the winter break.”

The program has been in the works since 2013 when Antoinette Rucker, a 2016 ASU graduate, approached ASU First Lady Karen Baynes-Dunning with the idea for the program. Rucker knows the difficulties in transitioning all too well. Her own challenges with navigating financial aid, housing and work study processes motivated the development of FTC.

Baynes-Dunning, a former juvenile court judge, was instrumental in bringing the idea into fruition.

“Unfortunately, the foster care system is setup to provide shelter and food, the minimum. In many ways, it’s setup to get them to age 18 and not thinking about their lives beyond that,” Baynes-Dunning said. “I really believe this initiative is unique and something that can be replicated across the country. We want to attract students from all over.”

Cloaked in confidentiality, the foster care system retains certain negative stigmas that Bass is hoping to combat as students and community members become more involved with FTC. Community members and organizations will serve as host families and partners to assist FTC participants. Creating care packages is one way.

“The community can play a vital role in assisting these strong and courageous young people meet their goals,” Bass said. Community members can provide the resources the school cannot provide, along with mentoring, guidance and employment.”