College Road Trips

student on campus.jpeg

Get Inspired

Each year, Foster Progress travels to Illinois colleges, bringing students, parents, and mentors to find out which colleges deliver success for youth in foster care! If you have always imagined yourself in college, now is the time to start your search. The trips are FREE to all youth ages 13 and up who were ever in foster care. Come explore schools like Northern Illinois University, DePaul University, and Loyola University.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can come? 

Anyone who has ever been in foster care, ages 13 and up. Returned home? Yes! Adopted? Yes! Group home? Yes! ILO? Yes! TLP? Yes! Do you have to be in our mentoring program to come on the trip? No! 

These trips are intended for youth who are really interested in college and therefore are seeking to make a good impression. Youth who are disrespectful will not be invited to attend future trips. 

Also, mentors, caseworkers, and foster parents are invited to attend as well. 

How does transportation work?

Foster Progress staff will be driving a rented van. We meet in the morning at the Harold Washington Library at State and VanBuren. If you can't make it to the pick up location, we can try to arrange a ride for you with a volunteer or provide you with a credit for transportation. Let us know in advance if you need transportation assistance. 

The Harold Washington Library
State and VanBuren, Chicago, IL 60605

What is the timing?

We will be in touch soon an exact time, but typically we leave between 7am-9am and return the next day between 2pm-3pm the following day. 

What should I bring?

A good attitude and a willingness to learn about the college we are visiting! Meals are provided. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing for whatever the weather might hold.