Higher Education / Vocational Program
http://www.youtube.com/svchildrensfund
The Situation
Foster youth attend and graduate from college at rates far below their peers. Compared to 50% of all high school students, less than 25% of foster youth pursue post secondary education; and, of those, only 1% will graduate with a college degree or vocational certificate.
Goal
To increase higher educational opportunities for former foster youth and to equip them with the tools and support to enter and graduate in higher education. YES goes beyond the basic scholarship program by connecting scholars to a comprehensive support network that includes mentorship and academic, financial, and life-skills services.
Results
- Over 200 YES Scholars have received scholarships
- 87% of YES Scholars returned to college after their first year
- 67% of YES Scholars who started in community college have transferred to a 4-year university
- YES Scholars give back to SVCF through mentoring younger foster youth and conducting outreach orientations
Key Components
YES Mentors: In an effort to assure that students are connected to a strong support network, YES Scholars are matched to a mentor whose role is providing personal support, encouragement, and guidance throughout the academic year. YES mentors are teachers, Independent Living Program Counselors, or other caring adults.
Scholarship Grants: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, educational and vocational plans, and the desire to serve as a positive role model to other youth in the foster care system. Scholarships may be used for tuition, books, school supplies, housing, transportation, clothing, food and other education-related expenses.
YES scholars can receive aid for enrollment in community college, public and private universities, or accredited career and technical training programs. Scholarship amounts are based on unmet financial need. Funding is intended to supplement, but not replace, other available scholarship and financial aid funding.
Most students accepted into the YES Program can reapply for annual scholarship support for up to 5 years if they continue to make satisfactory academic progress and fulfill the YES requirements.
Eligibility Guidelines for Foster Youth
- In foster or kinship care in Santa Clara County after age 13 for at least one year
- Achieved a minimum 2.0 cumulative high school GPA or 2.0 cumulative college GPA
- Highly motivated and able to successfully meet educational and career goals
- Accepted to or attending an accredited college, university, or vocational educational institution for the current academic year
- Applied for other financial aid by completing the FAFSA
Application Process
To apply to the YES Program, applicants are required to submit a complete application package consisting of:
- YES Application Form for new scholars or Re-Application Form for current scholars
- Student budget worksheet
- A typed personal statement (approximately two pages, double-spaced)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Mentor Commitment Agreement
- Proof of Dependency Letter from the Department of Family and Children Services
- (DFCS) of Santa Clara County
- Academic transcripts from each institution attended
- Applicants maybe subject to a personal interview as part of the selection process
SVCF is now accepting applications for the 2010-2011 Academic Year. Returning Scholars are those that are currently in the YES program or a scholar that was in the program within the past year. .
Partners
- Department of Family and Children's Services, Santa Clara County
- County Office of Education - Foster Youth Services
- San Jose State University - CME Society
If you have any questions regarding YES, please contact:
Sherri Brooks YES Program Coordinator
(408) 558-5441