FAAN Evidence

We are a nationwide network focused on removing barriers and increasing support for students with experience in foster care pursuing higher education. We focus on sharing learning and promoting best practices in policy and programming to improve the field of foster care and higher education.

What happens when students with experience in foster care are supported in higher education:

With campus based support programs and Chafee funds

College persistence increases for students with experience in care (via CALYouth Study)

Without support

Lower percentages of students with experience in foster care obtain academic achievement and higher percentages face homelessness and poverty (via CALYouth study Chaplin Hall, page 145)

With supportive extension of foster care policies

After age 18, research shows an increase in academic attainment of about 4% for students with experience in foster care (via CALYouth Study, page 16)

Without support

Historically, young adults who age out of care enroll in college at a rate of 25% compared to that of 41% of the general population (via Foster Club)

Our evidence & documents

Webinar: Challenging the Myth of 3%: A Systematic Review of Educational Outcomes of SEFC

This webinar challenges the often cited statistic that only 3% of youth from foster care will go on to earn a bachelor’s degree before the age of 26, highlighting findings from a recent study that reviewed the most up to date foster care and higher education outcomes. Presenters: Dr. Nathanael Okpych,...
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FAAN network mini-series

WEBINAR: Miniseries Webinar: Spotlight on Florida

The FAAN Network is continuing the mini-series of webinars featuring statewide backbone organizations and highlighting best practices from campus support programs in their network! The second webinar in the series will feature the Unconquered Scholars Program at Florida State University and Positive Pathways, the Florida statewide network. Learn from Jasmine...
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Michigan Miniseries FAAN network

WEBINAR: Program Spotlight: Fostering Success Michigan and the Western Michigan University Seita Scholars

The FAAN Network is kicking off a mini-series of webinars featuring statewide backbone organizations and highlighting best practices from campus support programs in their network! The first webinar will feature Fostering Success Michigan and the Western Michigan University Seita Scholars Program. Join this 1-hour webinar and learn from Karie Ward,...
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Policy Webinar by FAAN

WEBINAR: Building Bridges: How State Policies Can Support Postsecondary Education Success for Students with Experience in Foster Care

This webinar, delivered in partnership with John Burton Advocates for Youth was the third webinar in a 3-part series highlighting key findings from briefs on three policy and practice areas critical to advancing the field of foster care and higher education. Presented by Foster Scholars representative Dr. Molly Sarubbi, this...
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