Foster youth in higher education

This qualitative research study sought understanding about how former foster youth overcame the odds and completed their educational goals in higher education.More specifically, what personal characteristics and support services assist former foster youth into and through college?Four years ago I was selected to attend the first Former Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI) conference in California.The conference was held in an effort to connect 109 California Community Colleges to assist foster youth through the doors of college.What I was able to take away from the conference was that less than 3% of former foster youth graduate from college.After the conference, I was inundated with thoughts, questions, and concerns of my own as to why this population does not finish college.I chose a sample of college graduates because I want to know how this atypical group of former foster youth overcame unbelievable odds to finish college.This study utilized an electronic survey sent nationwide.The purpose of the survey is to ascertain the characteristics of former foster youth who have been successful in higher education and the supports that helped to promote that success in order to increase the understanding of barriers former foster youth face in higher iv education and the kinds of support that assist them in successfully completing a degree.v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS It is with profound gratitude that I thank the people that made this dream a reality.My thesis advisor and mentor, Dr. Ann Diver-Stamnes, without her endless encouragement, support, motivation, patience, and faith in my abilities, this piece of scholarship would not have come to fruition.Ann's support first began when she agreed to meet with me prior to me applying to the Program.I was scared to death of failure.Ann said to me, "Every professor in our department was scared of the very same thing you are right now.How will you know that you have the ability to succeed if you don't try?"That day I came to believe in myself and my abilities in my graduate education.Not only did Ann teach me lessons in life but in the world of academia.She taught me how to write academically, how to construct and synthesize my own thoughtful ideas, and how to remain calm in moments of panic.Ann also taught me to embrace my education and enjoy the process.Without Ann's unyielding commitment to my success, I don't think that I would be at this point in my life today.My aim is to inspire students the way she has so passionately inspired me and to commit myself to students' success.Dr. Cathleen Rafferty, professor and committee member, taught me how to use qualitative research and how to apply it my thesis.Her passion in