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Fostering success: Understanding the experience of foster youth undergraduates

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  • Kinarsky, Alana R.

Abstract

Although foster youth aspire to complete college, studies suggest that less than 10% are successful in obtaining a bachelor's degree (McMillen, Auslander, Elze, White, & Thompson, 2003; Rios & Rocco, 2014; Wolanin, 2005). The low graduation rates suggest that these students face unique obstacles in attaining their educational goals. To date, there is little information about the particular challenges they face. To address this gap, this paper presents survey findings of undergraduates enrolled at a public university and engaged in a campus support program for foster care alumni. Results show that these students are hesitant to disclose their foster youth identity, need help securing stable housing and suffer from food insecurity. Campus support programs and services help students feel a sense of belonging and safety on campus. Findings can aid policy makers and student affairs staff in refining current support systems for foster youth to increase enrollment and rate of graduation.

Suggested Citation

  • Kinarsky, Alana R., 2017. "Fostering success: Understanding the experience of foster youth undergraduates," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 220-228.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:81:y:2017:i:c:p:220-228
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2017.08.016
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Salazar, Amy M. & Roe, Stephanie S. & Ullrich, Jessica S. & Haggerty, Kevin P., 2016. "Professional and youth perspectives on higher education-focused interventions for youth transitioning from foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 23-34.
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    5. Wells, Melissa & Zunz, Sharyn, 2009. "Challenges and strengths among Chafee Education and Training Voucher eligible youth: The rural service providers' perspective," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(2), pages 235-242, February.
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    7. Pecora, Peter J., 2012. "Maximizing educational achievement of youth in foster care and alumni: Factors associated with success," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 34(6), pages 1121-1129.
    8. Dworsky, Amy & Pérez, Alfred, 2010. "Helping former foster youth graduate from college through campus support programs," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(2), pages 255-263, February.
    9. Kirk, Rosalind & Day, Angelique, 2011. "Increasing college access for youth aging out of foster care: Evaluation of a summer camp program for foster youth transitioning from high school to college," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(7), pages 1173-1180, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. S. Samarah, Esaa Mohammad & Schelbe, Lisa & Jackson, Lisa A., 2023. "A photovoice study of college students who have experienced foster care, relative care, and/or homelessness," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    2. Strayhorn, Terrell L., 2021. "Interrogating the collegiate experiences of African American males formerly in foster care: A critical qualitative analysis," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 128(C).
    3. Blakeslee, Jennifer & Miller, Rebecca & Uretsky, Mathew, 2022. "Efficacy of the Project Futures self-determination coaching model for college students with foster care backgrounds and mental health challenges," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 138(C).
    4. Salazar, Amy M. & Spiers, Sara S. & Bennett, Maija & Haggerty, Kevin P., 2023. "Fostering Higher Education: Preliminary findings from a small randomized pilot study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).
    5. Miller, Rebecca & Blakeslee, Jennifer & Ison, Chanel, 2020. "Exploring college student identity among young people with foster care histories and mental health challenges," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 114(C).
    6. Lindner, Abigail Rose & Hanlon, Ryan, 2024. "Outcomes of youth with foster care experiences based on permanency outcome – Adoption, aging out, long-term foster care, and reunification: A systematic review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    7. Opsal, Tara & Eman, Rebecca, 2018. "Invisible vulnerability: Participant perceptions of a campus-based program for students without caregivers," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 617-627.
    8. Tobolowsky, Barbara F. & Scannapieco, Maria & Aguiniga, Donna M. & Madden, Elissa E., 2019. "Former foster youth experiences with higher education: Opportunities and challenges," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 1-1.
    9. Watt, Toni & Faulkner, Monica, 2020. "The Texas tuition and fee waiver program for youth who have experienced foster care: An assessment of waiver utilization and impact," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 117(C).
    10. Cheatham, Leah P. & Luo, Yan & Hubbard, Shannon & Jackson, M. Sebrena & Hassenbein, Will & Bertram, Jess, 2021. "Cultivating safe and stable spaces: Reflections on a campus-based support program for foster care alumni and youth experiencing homelessness," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 130(C).

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