Foster Care Youth Scholarship Program - Program Planning

Partners

At the beginning of each cycle, ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ will initiate collaboration with Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF), and other relevant state agencies. Toward the end of each academic year ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ and state agencies will do an annual review of applicant eligibility criteria and academic performance for scholarship renewal. 

Students

Comprehensive orientation sessions will be administered for selected students - covering academic expectations, campus life, and available support services. As the academic year progresses, ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ will regularly monitor student academic progress and will work with students to adjust their support services, as needed. 

• Awareness campaigns will promote the program to Foster Care youth, foster families, and community organizations.
• Information sessions and workshops will be conducted to educate potential applicants and their support networks about the program benefits and application process.

• Seek ongoing support and funds from state government, private donors, and foundations in order to sustain the scholarship program.
• Periodic evaluation and assessment of program effectiveness to make necessary adjustments to meet evolving needs of Foster Care youth. 

• Explore opportunities to expand similar initiatives to other colleges and universities within Rhode Island, thereby scaling up the program.
• Share program model and best practices with other states interested in establishing similar support systems for Foster Care youth, to facilitate replication.