Fostering Advocates Arizona board member, Desaray Klimenko, was recently featured in the ASU News editorial Former foster youth get head start on college preparedness with new ASU program. She spoke on the importance of developing a support system for foster youth who are pursuing a college degree. In 2014, approximately 711 young adults exited foster care in the state of Arizona. Often the road map to post-secondary education for these youth is anything but easy to navigate. Without the assistance from adults or role-models to navigate financial assistance, housing, and balancing work and school, attaining a college degree seems slim at best.

Without the preparation and resources, these challenges can easily derail students from pursuing, and achieving, a college degree,” Cynthia Lietz, associate dean in the College of Public Service and Community Solutions (cited from ASUNews).

Bridging Success Early-Start is looking to fill that gap and provide a safety net for young adults by preparing students for college and providing resources to foster youth entering the ASU campus. They will provide support through a one-week program orientation before the start of the fall semester. Through this program, young adults will be receiving specialized training and will gain the knowledge and practice of life skills that significantly increase their chances of success, while also facilitating connections that build stability.

Read more about how you can navigate your college path.