Higher Education for Minnesota Fosters

I can count twelve different places I lived between the ages of fifteen and eighteen. Even though I attended three different high schools during that time, school was a refuge. I loved school, and dreamed about going away to college — but I never thought that was attainable for me. 

Meeting my mentor, Alec, changed the course of my future. He connected me to college prep programs, encouraged me to apply to colleges, and helped to make sure I was getting my basic needs met so that I could graduate from high school. Because of his persistence, I received a scholarship that paid for all of my college costs and went on to graduate with honors from UC Berkeley. 

Like many other Fosters that go to college, I got lucky. But Fosters should not have to rely on luck to succeed. Every Foster should be connected to resources and relationships that allow them to follow the college and career pathway of their choosing.

At Foster Advocates, we hear stories like this often. When given the space and resources to breathe, Fosters are able to thrive in the transition into full adulthood. Minnesota has taken the first step towards creating this space, by passing our Fostering Higher Education Act and creating a  grant program that will allow Fosters to attend any accredited Minnesota institution for free starting in 2022 — including tuition and living expenses. 

Foster Advocates is taking the next step. We are launching two programs: Fostering Education for high school Fosters in Ramsey County, and College Ambassadors for college Fosters around the state of Minnesota. These pilot programs will be led by Fosters and focus on growing leadership capacity and building a community for Fosters in education. 

As we build these programs, please reach out to be a part of our network.

In Solidarity,

Hannah Planalp

Program Manager

Foster Advocates

Click the images below for resources, created by Fosters for Fosters