A new county-wide pilot program aims to lower barriers to higher education for students coming from the foster care system.
The two-year, $3.5 million program will provide students who were in foster care with services relating to mental health, food insecurity, housing insecurity, employment and other financial needs.
Applying a focused lens on foster care youth provides this vulnerable population the chance to thrive in college. State data shows 1,200 kids age out of Texas' foster care system every year. Of the 33% of foster care alumni who enroll in college, only 1.3% attain a bachelor's degree by age 24.
What barriers do foster care alumni face? How will this pilot program enhance current services for foster care youth?
How will this partnership affect future young adults who age out of foster care? What other services are available for young adults without a support system?
Guests:
- Mike Flores, chancellor of the Alamo Colleges
- Allison Martinez, vice president of programs forChild Advocates San Antonio (CASA)
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet @TPRSource.
*This interview was recorded on Wedbesday, October 2.