Specialized Team at FCCS Helps Youth in Care Overcome Obstacles on Academic Journey to College

For teenagers in foster care who are thinking about life after high school, the decision on choosing a college or career path can come with unexpected obstacles. 

That’s why Franklin County Children Services is helping young people in the agency’s care navigate those challenges by connecting them with educational resources, financial aid guidance, and opportunities to plan for their futures.

“We know they have challenges focusing on more than the here and now,” said Staci Pelton, a member of the FCCS Education Supports team which works with youth connected to the agency on identifying academic goals and accessing resources that can support their academic journey past high school.

According to national research from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, as low as 29% of youth with a foster care history enroll in college or other postsecondary programs after high school.

As Ms. Pelton points out, these findings highlight the persistent barriers and the need for continued guidance and support.

In September, FCCS hosted a Scholarship and College Workshop to offer high school juniors and seniors insights on educational pathways and financial assistance.

Representatives from Columbus State Community College discussed enrollment and academic options, while Columbus Metropolitan Library shared career exploration and résumé-writing resources. 

Ms. Pelton said students also learned about scholarships, grants, and alternatives to traditional four-year degrees.

“Our hope is that events like this help our youth envision a positive future,” Ms. Pelton said.

She encourages young people with foster care experience to think about these additional educational opportunities and resources:

  • Explore Ohio Reach: This statewide network connects students with colleges and professionals who understand the needs of youth with foster care experience.
  • Consider Certificate Programs: Short-term training programs offer alternative career pathways, with financial assistance available for certain programs in Ohio.
  • Apply for Education and Training Vouchers: Eligible youth with foster care experience may qualify for up to $5,000 annually toward qualifying education and training expenses.
  • Ask about Application Fee Waivers: High school counselors can help students identify available waivers for college applications and standardized tests.
  • Complete the FAFSA: Students can apply for federal financial aid at StudentAid.gov. Certain youth with foster care experience qualify as independent students and generally do not need to provide parental income information.

Additional guidance is available through the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s free College & Career Drop-In sessions at the Barnett Branch (3434 East Livingston Avenue), offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

For the Educational Supports team at FCCS, preparing youth for adulthood extends beyond completing college applications. Through educational workshops and individualized guidance, they hope to help more young people identify their strengths, explore new opportunities, and build confidence in their futures.

If you are a teen connected to FCCS thinking about college and want to join a future Scholarship and College Workshop - or you want to learn about educational supports and resources available to you - click here to fill out an interest form or reach out to Alonee Gray at argray@fccs.us.

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