With this story, I hope to further the dialogue surrounding the post-secondary education of foster youth in this country, specifically in Washington State.
Much of the focus will be on Leon Lewis, a 22-year-old Seattle University student and former foster youth, highlighting both his experience and success. Lewis is one of 24 students who have received a scholarship from Seattle U’s Fostering Scholar’s Program, which affords a full ride for past foster youth.
Lewis definitely beats the odds. Each year there are approximately 10,000 children in foster care throughout Washington State, and as we mentioned before, only two to three percent of all foster care youth ever move on to a four-year institution.
Washington State has proven itself to be ahead of the game, especially with programs like Lewis’. We’ll take a look at Seattle U’s scholarship program, both at how it got started and how it stays funded, as well as similar offerings from other local four-year colleges and schools nationwide.
Posted by Erin Leach-Kemon on 04/27/10
