This study provides an analysis of California State University (CSU)’s campus-based support programs for students with foster care experience. California has long been considered a champion for its support for youth who experience foster care, and is particularly noteworthy in creating campus-based programs to support their postsecondary education. As the largest university system in the U.S., CSU plays an important role in supporting positive life outcomes for students who have experienced foster care, with an estimated annual enrollment of 3,000-3,500 students with foster care history. For this study, we engaged with 23 support program staff members from across the CSU system to develop a deep understanding of high-impact practices, successes, and challenges. Research findings are used to develop actionable recommendations at the campus, system, state, and federal levels. We hope this study will be used to encourage greater investment in college campus support programs for foster youth. Learn more on the CTS website.

Foster youth in California face systemic barriers that can interfere with their educational success, from K-12 instability to college challenges, with graduation rates and college enrollment far below state averages. In this study, our research team partnered with young leaders with foster care experience from California Youth Connection to center their lived experiences and answer the following research questions: How did foster youth experience the foster care system? What were the high school experiences of foster youth? What were the college-going experiences of foster youth? Learn more on the CTS website.