Forward Steps’ Guardian Scholars Scholarships Give Academic Funding to Foster Care Alumni

Nonprofit Offers 15, $6,000 Scholarships in Partnership with Community College of Denver
By: Forward Steps
 
DENVER - Feb. 9, 2016 - PRLog -- Fewer than 10 percent of foster care youth attend college, according to the Legal Center for Foster Care and Education 2014 report (http://www.fostercareandeducation.org/DesktopModules/Bring2mind/DMX/Download.aspx?EntryId=1933&Command=Core_Download&method=inline&PortalId=0&TabId=124). And yet, more than ever, the college opportunity is critical for their learning, development and healing – since the average work-life earnings for this population increases more than $480,000 than if they only graduated high school—signaling better quality of life and stability.

With such a need for academic support, Forward Steps (http://www.forwardsteps.com), a Denver-based nonprofit dedicated to increasing educational opportunities for foster care alumni, is now accepting applications for its Guardian Scholars Scholarship. (http://mystepforward.org) Fifteen scholarships are available to foster care alumni, valued up to $6,000 (up to $3,000 per semester for unmet financial need.) The scholarship can be used for qualified school-related expenses like housing, transportation and books to attend the Community College of Denver (CCD).

“At 18 years old, foster youth ‘age out’ of the system and many want to go to college but don’t believe it’s possible for a myriad of reasons, which is why we are excited to open applications to our Guardian Scholars Scholarship program in partnership with the Community College of Denver,” said Sabrina Huffaker, executive director of Forward Steps. “The scholarships, coupled with our mentoring programs, make college a viable and realistic option for this under-recognized population.”

Individuals with an open case on their 18th birthday are eligible to apply for the scholarship. Interested candidates can apply by visiting http://mystepforward.org  and downloading the application. Applications are available year-round and the Fall 2016 application deadline is April 4, 2016.

“Paired with CCD’s comprehensive student support services and low cost, Forward Steps’ scholarship, life skills coaching and mentoring make this an ideal union.” Shannon Webber, assistant director, customer service at CCD continues, “We know these students face unique obstacles when accessing higher education, even from the point of completing the application, so we have aligned our services with Forward Steps. CCD has found that it can make a critical difference for a student to work with people who 'get it'.”

Founded on the premise that every person should have the opportunity to attend college, and with an eight-year legacy of monitoring and adapting to the needs of the foster youth community, Forward Steps is excited to launch the funding opportunity, providing candidates with the financial support and academic mentorship needed to kick start a positive academic career – and future.

About Forward Steps

Since 2008 Forward Steps has helped foster care alumni succeed personally and academically. The Guardian Scholars Scholarships help foster care alumni realize that college is possible. Through individualized academic mentoring and life skills development assistance, Forward Steps helps foster care alumni reach their life potential. For more information visit www.forwardsteps.com.

About CCD

With more than 8,000 students, Community College of Denver (CCD) is the third-largest community college in Colorado and a leading point of entry to higher education for the city and county of Denver. CCD provides a cost-effective, high-quality college education to nontraditional students, along with access and opportunity, workforce development, training resources for local organizations and community partnerships. CCD is a federally funded Hispanic Serving Institution (HIS) and is one of 13 community colleges in the Colorado Community College System (CCCS). Learn more at www.CCD.edu

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Source:Forward Steps
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Tags:Forward Steps, Guardian Scholars Scholarship, Foster Care Youth
Industry:Education
Location:Denver - Colorado - United States
Subject:Services
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Page Updated Last on: Feb 14, 2016
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