Our Mission
Foster Progress empowers Illinois youth currently or formerly in foster care to attain a college degree and transition into adulthood successfully by providing mentorship, advocacy, and educational opportunity.
Imagine what an impact we could have if we gave youth the very best instead of the bare minimum. At Foster Progress, we start with the assumption that youth in foster care are capable of reaching their dreams if they have high-quality supports. It is our goal to inspire youth transitioning out of care with a long-term vision of their future and help them put the pieces in place to make their dreams a reality.
Our Programs & Methods
Mentoring & Scholarships
Youth who have experienced foster care are matched with a one-on-one college educated mentor who helps them finish high school strong and walk through the college application and financial aid process. Each time they meet with their mentor, they earn $100 in scholarship money to be used when they enroll in a post-secondary program.
Y-CAP
(Youth in Care Advocacy Program) On 6 college campuses around the state of Illinois, Peer Advocates provide supportive groups for college students who experienced foster care.
Traverse
Youth who have graduated high school but aren’t sure of their next steps can join this gap-year program to discover their strengths and create a plan for their future. They’ll participate in service projects and travel opportunities.
Training & Workshops
Caseworkers, caregivers, and educators can schedule in-person or online trainings for continuing education and professional development. Topics include “The Impact of Trauma on the Educational Outcomes of Foster Youth” and “Financial Aid for Youth in Foster Care.”
advocacy
We're using whatever influence we have to remove barriers to youth growing into successful adults - whether in the child welfare system, in colleges' and universities' policies and practices, or in state and federal policies. Join these efforts by adding your voice to the cause.
Photos from our 2024 End of Year Celebration, courtesy of Tyler Core Photography:
