Exploring College Campus Resources: A Guide for Former Foster Youth
Starting college is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming—especially if you’re navigating this journey on your own. The good news is that college campuses are filled with resources designed to help students succeed academically, professionally, and personally.
These services are there to support you, so take advantage of them! Here’s a guide to the most valuable campus resources and how they can help you thrive.
Academic Support: Tutoring and Advising
One of the first resources to explore is academic support services. Most colleges offer tutoring centers, math help centers, writing centers, etc. where you can get help with challenging subjects or classes. Some schools even provide one-on-one tutoring sessions or online assistance for added convenience.
In addition to tutoring, academic advisors are there to help you map out your class schedule and ensure you’re meeting graduation requirements. An academic advisor is a faculty member who provides a proactive advising approach with students to explore a student's choice of major and career goals. They can also guide you if you’re undecided about your major or considering a change. The information on advisors and tutoring services should be provided at orientation, but you can also find it online. Don’t hesitate to reach out — their goal is to help you stay on track and achieve your academic goals.
Career Services: Planning Your Future
Thinking about your future career might feel daunting, but career services can make it easier. These offices provide tools like resume workshops, interview coaching, and job fairs. Many also offer career assessments to help you identify your strengths and interests to support you with finding potential job opportunities.
Internships are another valuable resource available through career services. They’re a great way to gain experience in your field of interest and build professional connections. Make an appointment with a career counselor early in your college journey to start exploring opportunities. It helps to talk through all your options in-person with a career counselor who can tell you what specific programs and internships are available for students.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
As a former foster youth, you may qualify for specific financial aid programs (a guide to these is linked here), including grants and scholarships that don’t need to be repaid. Start by visiting your school’s financial aid office. They can help you understand your options, complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and access emergency funds if needed.
Many colleges also have special scholarships for students who have experienced foster care. Organizations like Foster Care to Success and local nonprofits often provide additional funding opportunities. Don’t be afraid to ask for help—financial aid advisors are there to support you.
Mental Health and Counseling Services
If you’re concerned about housing or other basic needs, your college likely has resources to help. Some campuses offer year-round housing for students who don’t have a permanent home during school breaks. Others provide food pantries, meal programs, or emergency financial assistance. Check out this list of Ohio colleges that have Ohio Reach Postsecondary Designation. Ohio Reach is a network of campus liaisons dedicated to supporting former foster youth in higher education. You can reach out to their liaisons with any questions.
If available, you can also talk to your school’s foster youth support coordinator. They’re familiar with the unique challenges you may face and can connect you with additional resources both on and off campus. The first-year office should be able to direct you to resources and staff members that can help.
Building Your Support Network
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of building a strong support network. Join student organizations, attend campus events, and connect with faculty and staff who can mentor and guide you. It can be overwhelming to meet people and make friends in a new environment, but everyone else is new as well! Many colleges have programs specifically for former foster youth, such as mentorship opportunities or academic support groups. These connections can make a big difference in your college experience.
Final Thoughts
Navigating college as a former foster youth comes with its own set of challenges, but you don’t have to do it alone. By tapping into the resources available on your campus, you can set yourself up for success both in school and beyond. Remember, these services exist solely to support you—don’t hesitate to reach out and make the most of them. Your future is full of possibilities, and taking advantage of all the opportunities presented can lead you to places you never dreamed of!