1) Foster youth have low college graduation rates, with only 2% completing a bachelor's degree compared to 24% of the general population. 2) Campus liaisons are vital for supporting foster youth in higher education by providing guidance and helping them navigate resources. 3) Miami University has designated liaisons across its campuses to assist foster youth with advising, learning, and retention through the Ohio Reach program, even though the state provides no financial assistance.

1. Keeping Them in CollegeChris Klefeker,Foster Care Liaison;Harrison Thompson,StudentMiami University-Hamilton

2. Sobering Statistics67% of foster care alumni who enter college drop out before graduationLess than 2% of former foster youth complete a bachelor's degree, compared with 24% of the general population

3. Factors that Undermine College RetentionLack of college readinessLack of family supportLack knowledge of available resourcesFamily issues (e.g. single parent, trying to support bio-parent or siblings)Housing challenges (e.g. holidays, summer break)

4. Facilitating Campus SupportTo ensure student success, it is necessary to provide financial, academic, and emotional/social support.A full-time designated point person is vital for the success of foster youth at the university.Whether or not the university is able to provide a comprehensive scholarship for students aging out of foster care, financial advising is essential.*Research Brief: Building a Campus Support Network For Students Emerging from Foster Care, Education Advisory Board, Washington DC, June 10, 2009

5. Zero Budget ModelAll three campuses of Miami University, along with the new VOA site, have named Ohio Reach Liaisons.Each liaison is linked with a different student support office: advising, learning assistance, transition/retention.The state does not provide financial assistance.

6. Why Campus Liaisons??Why are Campus Liaisons a vital part of the Ohio Reach initiative to increase the number of foster care youth who enroll in higher education?Because “youth from care need a caring trusted staff person who has primary responsibility to identify them and consistently provide guidance in navigating higher education.”*Appendix B: Supporting Success: Improving Higher Education Outcomes for Youth from Foster Care, which 2010 Ohio Reach Summit participants will receive in hard-copy form.

7. Campus Liaison QualificationsFamiliarity with the needs of foster youthWillingness and ability to advocate for support throughout the university communityKnowledge of available resources available within the university and ability to network effectivelyListening skills and availability to interact with students*Research Brief: Building a Campus Support Network For Students Emerging from Foster Care, Education Advisory Board, Washington DC, June 10, 2009

8. Campus Liaison ResponsibilitiesPost Ohio Reach Symbol in your office and add your Foster Care Liaison title to your business cardsWork with child welfare partners to recruit foster youth to apply to the program and identify college students with foster care backgroundsProvide support and assisting students on a day-to-day basisTrain campus staff about issues challenging foster youth on campus and over school breaks and vacations.*Research Brief: Building a Campus Support Network For Students Emerging from Foster Care, Education Advisory Board, Washington DC, June 10, 2009

9. Campus Connections Supporting success for foster care youth in higher education requires working collaboratively within the university structure:RegistrarFinancial AidHousing Academic AdvisingCounseling CenterLearning Center*Research Brief: Building a Campus Support Network For Students Emerging from Foster Care, Education Advisory Board, Washington DC, June 10, 2009

10. Keys to Campus SurvivalHousing during breaksTransportationSupport systems

11. Identifying College Students from Foster CareFAFSA data base queries (question #53)Work w/ your area independent living, child welfare/social workers, and agenciesBrochures, posters, media spotsWebsites – both college, social services, and youth http://www.regionals.muohio.edu/fostercare/Foster care status question on applications & “sign in” forms Outreach to area high school counselorsUse of Ohio Reach Symbol in your office and your Foster Care Liaison title on your business cardsWord of mouth – student/youth networks

12. Higher Ed and Child Welfareas PartnersIdentify potential and current studentsRaise awareness of community resources for ALL students (i.e. housing, medical, food, transportation, child care, etc.)Forge relationships with people who have a history with your student and are familiar with his or her situation

13. College RetentionBetter preparation - CWConnections on campusChoosing a college closer to homeOCOG and Pell GrantPeer Support Networks – CW & H.EdCollege Liaison – H.E.Paired with a mentor in the community - CWConnections amongst schools for smooth transfers or relocations

14. Evaluating SuccessGrades and GPACourses takenOn-Campus activitiesTransfers and reasons for doing soIf dropped out, reasons for doing soGraduationCurrent status, whereabouts, activities – ideally at certain time intervals (e.g., 1,3, & 5 years)

15. Open Discussion