A new report from the California College Pathways hopes to use data to better illustrate some of the barriers in higher education faced by foster youth. The goal of this analysis is to spur policies, programs and practices that would help more youth achieve success in college.
In “Charting the Course: Using Data to Support Foster Youth College Success,” data on common indicators was gathered from 31 participating California College Pathways (CCP) campuses across the state. Follow-up qualitative data was also obtained from student and stakeholder focus group at those schools.
Results about foster youth in college were presented in two sections—one for students at community colleges and another for those enrolled in universities. Some of the key findings include the following:
- Though many California foster youth have succeeded at CCP community college and university campuses, foster youth do not experience the same level of educational achievement as other students on important educational indicators.
- A large chunk of foster youth in higher education are required to take remedial math and English classes.
- Foster youth do not have a consistent track record of accessing financial aid or student support programs available through the state and the federal government.
The report was supported by several foundations, including The Angell Foundation, The California Wellness Foundation, The May and Stanley Smith Charitable Trust, Pritzker Foster Care Initiative, The Resiliency Fund, The Stuart Foundation, The Tipping Point Community, The Walter S. Johnson Foundation and Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.
To read the report, click here.