The Invisible Youth: Transitional Services for Foster Youth in Higher Education

Last year over 687,000 children spent time in U.S. foster care system, a disproportionate number of these children are minorities, LGBTQ+, and from low-income families. Each year 20,000 children age out of the system, their transition to higher education is more difficult than their peers. Only 25% will graduate high school and 2% complete college. Youth in foster care face a series of unique barriers to entering and completing post-secondary education including inadequate academic preparation, limited support, financial challenges, ongoing mental health issues, and housing/employment. This presentation explores four support programs currently in place and recommendations for improving attainment rates.