Education

“We live in a world where we need to share responsibility. It’s easy to say ‘It’s not my child, not my community, not my problem.’ Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.” Fred Rogers

About the Program

The Fostering Lions Program (FLP) is a support program designed to assist foster youth improve postsecondary education outcomes. The program provides a support services network to former or current foster youth attending college. The program assists foster youth in four key areas:

1. Financial
2. Academic and Career Planning
3. Social/Emotional
4. Logistic

By decreasing risk factors and increasing protective factors through the support services network, the program aims to increase the students’ educational outcomes, college retention and graduation rates, grade point averages (GPAs), personal societal contributions, and lower public health costs and economic disparity. For further details see the Fostering Lions Program Logic Model below.

Building Connections

• Supper and Seminar Series – workshops monthly during Fall and Spring semester, there will be food and a different topic each month
• At least one “fun” event planned both Fall and Spring semester
• Lunch with FLP Coach once a month to stay updated – but free to seek assistance as many times as needed

How to Qualify

Any student who checks box 53 on the FAFSA or self-identifies as falling under the following category

• you were in foster care since you turned 13
• you were involved with a Fostering Lions Program at a Commonwealth Campus

How to Get Started

1. Visit Penn State’s Financial Aid page for assistance with applying for aid
2. Visit Penn State’s Undergraduate Admissions page for information on applying, academics, campuses, etc.
3. Would you like to visit a campus and learn about the Fostering Lions Program?  If so, contact Cheri McConnell, Foster Lions Program Coach, at 814-865-2193 or cln3@psu.edu and she will make all arrangements needed to get you to the campus of your choice.