Breaking Down Barriers: How scholarships bridge the gap for foster care students
Foster care students face numerous challenges when it comes to pursuing higher education. From financial barriers to lack of support networks, the path to college can seem daunting for these young individuals. However, scholarships tailored specifically for foster care students have emerged as a beacon of hope, bridging the gap and providing invaluable support. In this blog, we'll delve into the research and statistics behind how scholarships are breaking down barriers for foster care students.
Financial Challenges Faced by Foster Care Students
Research conducted by the National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI) reveals that only 3% of
foster care alumni earn a college degree, compared to 30% of the general population. One significant barrier to higher education for these students is financial instability. About 25% of foster care alumni experience homelessness after aging out of the system, further exacerbating their financial struggles. However, scholarships specifically designed for foster care students offer a lifeline, providing financial assistance and enabling access to education.
Impact of Scholarships on Educational Attainment
Studies have shown that scholarships tailored for foster care students significantly increase their chances of enrolling and persisting in higher education. Previous reports found that foster care students who receive scholarships are more likely to graduate from college compared to their peers who do not receive such support. In fact, scholarship recipients at Foster Love have had a graduation rate of 90% since 2015; A stark contrast to the dismal 3% graduation rate among foster care alumni without financial assistance.
Impact of Scholarships
In conclusion, scholarships play a pivotal role in breaking down barriers for foster care students, offering them the financial support and resources needed to pursue their educational aspirations. At Foster Love, we offer various scholarships, the Family Fellowship Scholarship and American Industries Trade Scholarship. Our commitment to inclusivity for all foster care students is vital to embodying the success of foster youths. Therefore, we offer scholarships for youths who would like to pursue a 4-year traditional college education or pursue a trade. By addressing the systemic inequalities and providing opportunities for higher education, these scholarships not only empower individual students but also contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable society with our foster care population in mind.
Written By: Stacey Tang
