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12/14/2017TURNING DREAMSINTO DEGREESJOHNBURTONCollege Resources and Supportfor Foster YouthADVOCATES FOR YOUTHDecember 19, 2017www.jbaforyouth.orgJohn Burton Advocates for YouthJohn Burton Advocates for Youth is a statewidenon‐profit organization based in San Francisco,working to improve the quality of life forCalifornia’s foster, former foster, and homelessyouth.John Burton Advocates for Youth works in threeareas: education, housing and health.Go to our website to learn more & sign up forour newsletter:www.jbaforyouth.orgJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH1
12/14/2017Agenda Why college?Student PerspectivesChoosing a College PathwayEducation Planning MilestonesBenefits When Applying to CollegeResources to Succeed in CollegePaying for CollegeNurturing Hopes and DreamsJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTHWhy College?Understanding what is at stake for our youthJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH2
12/14/2017Education Pays OffJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTHEducation Pays Off in Other Ways.o Lower rates of incarcerationo Improved health outcomeso Higher levels of civic participation, including votingo Greater likelihood of one’s children attending collegeo Increased career satisfactionJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH3
12/14/2017College Aspirations vs. College RealitiesJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTHAcademic Preparation for CollegeEnglishLanguage Artsproficiency, asmeasured byperformance onCalifornia statestandardizedexams.24%35%50%JOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH4
12/14/2017Why this gap in academic preparation?Foster youth are 4times more likely thantheir peers to changeschools in a givenschool year.PlacementchangesdisruptschoolingHigh rates ofdisabilityPoor school qualityNearly 1 in 5 fosteryouth has a disability,twice the rate of thegeneral population15% of foster youth attend thelowest performing 10% of Californiaschools, compared to just 10% of thegeneral populationJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTHOther challenges unique to foster youthJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH5
12/14/2017Student PerspectivesBrendan Doyle & Daniella LafoyaJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTHChoosing a College PathwayUnderstanding available higher education optionsJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH6
12/14/2017Finding Your Best FitType of CollegeExampleKnown For.Watch Out For.CommunityCollegeEast Los AngelesCollegeAffordable option for a 2‐yeardegree, certificate and CTEprograms, or a transfer path to a4‐year institutionRemediation delays, uncleareducational goalsCalifornia StateUniversityCSU NorthridgeAffordable option for a 4‐yeardegree, especially in fields liketeaching and nursingLarge classes, challenges forcommuter studentsUniversity ofCaliforniaUCLA4‐year degree from institutionswith world‐class faculty andresearch facilitiesHigher tuition and non‐tuition costsJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTHFinding Your Best FitType ofCollegeExampleKnown For.Watch Out For.Private, nonprofitcollege oruniversityUSCSome private schools havereligious affiliation, may offersmall classesHigh tuition costsOut‐of‐StateSchoolArizona StateUniversityProvides a new environment,may offer unique programs orgenerous financial aidCulture shock, may havehigh tuition costsProprietary,vocational, ortrade schoolITT TechCareer and technical educationHigher tuition costs, unclearor spotty employmentoutcomesJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH7
12/14/2017A note about Career & Technical EdJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTHTools for Exploring Career Paths Learn what the cost of living is in yourcommunity and what you need to earn usingthe Living Wage Calculator:livingwage.mit.edu Take a career assessment, explore careers, andfind California Community College programswith My Path: www.cccmypath.org Explore the real earnings of CaliforniaCommunity College graduates, by programtype using Salary Surfer: salarysurfer.cccco.eduJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH8
12/14/2017Educational PlanningMilestonesJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTHFoster Youth EducationalPlanning Guideo Step‐by‐step information onhow to prepare and apply tocollegeo Can be found llege‐planning‐resources/JOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH9
12/14/2017Benefits When Applying toCollegeSupporting youth with application and enrollmentJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTHApplying to Community CollegeStart theprocessearly! Apply at www.cccapply.org Encourage youth to check off the“foster youth” box to get connectedto resources Apply for support programs early,such as EOPS & CAFYES (ifapplicable) Take advantage of PriorityRegistrationJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH10
12/14/2017Priority RegistrationJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH3 Steps for Priority Registration‐AB 595 (2013)#1‐ Participate inOrientation#2‐ Completethe AssessmentProcess#3‐ Develop anEducation PlanPriorityRegistrationContact your college to learn more about the process or go towww.stepforward.cccco.eduJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH11
12/14/2017Tips for Applying to a CommunityCollege Be aware of deadlines, which vary by school Start the process early Can be difficult to find all of this information online, may need tocall or go in person Get connected to the FYSI Foster Youth Liaison and/or Foster youthcampus support programs in the beginning of the process Meet with an EOPS counselor to get help with your Education Plan,if possibleJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTHApplying to a CSU or UCApplication FeeWaiver at Up to 4CampusesPriority Access toOn‐Campus HousingAB 1393 (2009)Priority RegistrationSB 906 (2016)Note‐ CSU’s that have student housing open during school breaks arerequired to give first priority to current and former foster youth. UC’s are“requested” to do so for FY who are otherwise eligible for a particularcampus housing facilityJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH12
12/14/2017Residency status‐ AB 669 (2009) Allows colleges and universities to grant resident status tofoster youth under the age of 19 who were residing out ofstate as a dependent or ward under California’s childwelfare systemJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTHResources to Succeed inCollegeAccessing campus resources at community college and 4‐yearuniversitiesJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH13
12/14/2017Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI)At least one FYSI Liaison for fosteryouth is at each of the 113California community collegecampuses.Often housed in the financial aidofficeJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTHFoster Youth Campus Support ecific tofoster ct withothers withsimilarexperience;share resources;feel normalResourcesspecific tofoster youthcash andotherassistanceto fill the gapsVarious names: Guardian Scholars, Renaissance Scholars Program, etc.Program services & eligibility criteria can varyFound at most community colleges, CSU’s, UC’s and some private schoolsJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH14
12/14/2017Extended Opportunity Programs &ServicesJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTHNextUp, also known as CAFYES‐SB 2013 (2014)Academic and personal counseling; Emotional supportStudents must be: Under age 26 In foster careon or after their16th birthday Enrolled in atleast 9 units Also apply forEOPSBooks & suppliesSeminars & workshopsMeal cards, bus passes, gas cardsTutoringCultural eventsAgency and community referralsJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH15
12/14/2017General Campus Resources & SupportsCalWorks &CARECounseling tDisabilityServicesJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTHwww.cacollegepathways.orgFind FYSILiaisons,CampusSupportProgram,& NextUp(CAFYES)Programcontacts16
RESOURCEPORTALPaying for CollegeUnderstanding financial aid resources and processesJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH17
12/14/2017Financial Aid Makes a DifferenceFoster youth who accessfinancial aid have bettercollege outcomesJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTHState & Federal Gift AidFederal Pell GrantAwards up to 5,815 forfull‐time enrollment; ispro‐rated if enrolledless than full time.Maximum award mayvary year to year.Cal GrantCovers tuition at CSU and UC and up to 1,670 for community college expensesMoney for college in California for studentswho apply within one year after highschool, meet income eligibility, get at leasta 2.0 GPA and submit a FAFSA or CADAA bythe March 2nd deadlineJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH18
12/14/2017Financial Aid for FosterYouthCA Chafee Grant Provides up to 5,000 to eligible former foster youthCA College Promise Grant (formerly Board ofGovernor’s Fee Waiver) Waives the cost of tuition at CA community colleges for eligible low‐incomestudents Foster youth can maintain this regardless of academic performanceJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTHAre foster youth getting financial aid?A 2009 study found that only 4% of fosteryouth college applicants receive all threeforms of financial aid: Pell Grant‐ up to 5,815 Cal Grant‐ up to 12,240 Chafee Grant‐ up to 5,000JOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH19
12/14/2017Common Barriers to Financial AidApplying by the March2nd deadline Unaware of March 2nd state priority deadline andwhat information is needed May feel overwhelmed and in need of adult supportMeeting additionaleligibility requirements Taking a year off between high school and college orearning a GED can disqualify youth for some CalGrant awards. Some Cal Grants also have GPA thresholdsCompletingverification or otherfollow‐up steps May be flagged for verification ‐ where they need toprovide additional documentation, like taxinformation Other procedural hurdles before aid is dispensedJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTHHow to Apply for Financial AidIf the applicant is a U.S.Citizen, a permanentresident or other eligiblenon‐citizen:Complete the Free Application for FederalStudent Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.govIf the applicant is anundocumentedimmigrant:Complete the CA Dreamers Act Application(CADAA) at dream.csac.ca.govJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH20
12/14/2017When to Apply for Financial AidThe priority application period for FAFSA and CADA is October 1– March 2ndStudents can apply after March 2nd, but may receive less financial aidStudents can apply for financial aid before they apply for admissions into acollege or universityJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTHFAFSATIPThree Parts to MaximizeFinancial AidComplete the FAFSA(30‐45 minutesdepending on thestudent)Complete the Chafeeapplication(5‐10 minutes)Create a WebGrantsAccount (5 minutes)JOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH21
12/14/2017What a Student Will Need to File FAFSA Name as it appears on their socialsecurity card Social security number Email address List of up to 10 schools students areinterested applying to Income information, such as taxes orany income received for the requestedyearJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTHComplete aFAFSA atfafsa.ed.govStudents mustcomplete aFAFSA everyyear22
12/14/2017Student EligibilityquestionsTip: Answer yes to “Are youa foster youth or were youat any time in the fostercare system” to getconnected to resources andsupportTip: Select“Other/unknown” for“Highest School Completedby Parent.” This does notrefer to a legal guardian orfoster parent. Foster youthdo not need to provideparental informationDependency StatusCurrent or former foster youth may qualify for“Independent Status” on the FAFSA if they cananswer “Yes” to any part of either of the twoquestions:“At any time since you turned age 13, wereboth your parents deceased, were you in fostercare, or were you a dependent or ward of thecourt?Or“Does someone other than your parents orstepparent have legal guardianship of you, asdetermined by a court in your state ofresidence?”23
12/14/2017DependencyDeterminationQualified Foster Youth that areconsidered “Independent” donot have to submit anyinformation in the ParentDemographics Section,including foster parents or legalguardians.Financial aid will be based onthe student’s incomeFAFSATIPFinancial InformationFoster youth DO NOT have to report the following information as incomeearned from working, or in the “Additional Financial Information” or“Untaxed Income” section:Extended Foster Care (AB 12) benefits,commonly known as SILP payments.Even if SILP payments are sent directlyto youth. GEN‐13‐18 (2013)Supplemental Security Income (SSI)JOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH24
12/14/2017Resource:Financial AidGuide for CAFoster urce:OnlineVisualFinancialAidGuidewww. cacollegepathways.org/financial‐aidJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH25
12/14/2017After the FAFSA:The FAFSA is just the first step to receiving financial aidJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTHChecklist Apply for the Chafee Grant Create a WebGrants account Check your email & student portal regularly Request a foster youth verification letter Make sure that your Cal Grant GPA verification is sent by your high school Apply for additional scholarshipsJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH26
12/14/2017Apply for the Chafee Grant**Restricts use of funds at schoolsthat do not meet certain graduationand loan default criteria. AB 2506(2016)What isit? The Chafee Grant provides up to 5,000 of free money for current or former foster youth tohelp pay for college or career and technical training.ToQualify: Be a current or former foster youth who was a dependent or ward of the court, living in fostercare, between the ages of 16 and 18 Youth who were/are in kin‐gap, non‐related guardianship or were adopted, are eligible only ifa dependent or ward of the court, living in foster care, was established between age 16‐18 Not have reached your 22nd birthday as of July 1 of the award year Have Financial needToApply: Submit the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov or CADA at www.caldreamact.org by March 2nd Submit the California Chafee Grant Application online at www.chafee.csac.ca.gov, or complete the paper form and mailit in, by March 2nd Students can still submit later if this deadline is missed, but may receive less. If you receive a Chafee grant, you don’t need to reapply each year. If you do not receive a Chafee, you must reapplyeach year.JOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTHCheck Email Regularly for UpdatesResults, known as theStudent Aid Report (SAR),are sent from the FederalProcessor via email withinfour weeks or lessIf you have not receivedyour SAR, contact theFederal Student AidInformation Center at 1‐800‐4FED‐AIDRespond promptly to anyrequest for additionalinformation from yourcollege, private scholarshiporganizations or your state’shigher education agencyGet the student connected to support for help reviewing, accepting and understanding their SARJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH27
12/14/2017Foster Youth Verification Current foster youth: Contact their countysocial worker or ILP Coordinator Former foster youth: Contact their countychild welfare agency, local ILP program orthe State Foster Care Ombudsman’s Office(AB 592): 1-877-846-1602JOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTHWard of theCourtLetterExample28
12/14/2017Apply to Additional ScholarshipsLook into otherscholarships fosteryouth may qualify forMaintaining Financial AidCompleting inreasonabletimeCompletingwith highenough GPAPassingenoughclasses alongthe waySatisfactoryAcademicProgress(SAP)29
12/14/2017How Can You Make aDifference?Creating a college‐going culture that inspires and motivatesJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTHThe single most importantfactor influencing a positiveoutcome forchildren and youth is alasting relationshipwith a caring,engaged adult.30
12/14/2017Encouraging Foster Youtho Motivate from a young ageo Danger of the self‐fulfilling prophecyo Set high expectations – regardless ofpast academic performanceo Consistently express the expectationthat the student will graduate fromhigh school and go on to collegeo Use such phrases as “When you go tocollege .” instead of “If ”JOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTHOther Ways to Inspire & cademicConnect youthto campussupportprogramsbenefitsof esbetweencollege and highschoolConnect tomentors androle modelsHold youthaccountableJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH31
12/14/2017College is PossibleRegardless of grades, income,immigration status or foster youth statusJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTHThank YouJessica Petrass, LCSWProject ManagerJohn Burton Advocates for Youthjessica@jbaforyouth.orgThis presentation was created with the support of UNITE‐LAJOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH32
California State University CSU Northridge Affordable option for a 4‐year degree, especially in fields like teaching and nursing Large classes, challenges for commuter students University of California UCLA 4‐yea
