It’s not uncommon for students from foster care to feel alone as they work to earn their degrees. Not having family support or enough resources to manage life’s challenges while getting their education can often deter their progress. With less than three percent of young people from foster care completing their degree programs, having a sense community and network of peers who share similar backgrounds offers better opportunities for success.
Wraparound Support
Aside from providing financial aid for the direct cost of attending school, AFFCF’s Post-Secondary programs is working to help young scholars create a community of support and understanding through monthly check-in calls to discuss any concerns or issues.
This month, we also held our semi-annual start-of-semester dinners across in Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff. Guests included not only our scholars, but also AFFCF staff and board members, as well as members of the AFFCF Scholarship Committee. The dinners provide an opportunity for scholars of similar backgrounds to meet and develop their own support networks among each other. The dinners also let scholars know that there are others who genuinely care about them and their success.
Good Starts
Scholars in the Tucson area came together at El Corral for a small gathering. Good food and good conversation were had by all who attended the dinner.
“Thank you for the ability to have a different experience and try something new.”
Colton, AFFCF Scholar
In Phoenix, scholars enjoyed a lovely evening at Top of the Rock with beautiful desert views of the sunset and delicious food. One student even told us the bread was life-changing!
“Thank you so much for everything I had a wonderful
Emmanueline, affcf scholar
time and it was great seeing everyone!”
In Flagstaff, AFFCF treated scholars to fine dining experience at Brix. Scholars and supporters engaged in fun and robust conversations over a tantalizing meal.
Overall, AFFCF engaged close to 30 of our scholars who were able to attend the event. As the semester goes, we will continue our community-building events with mid-semester outings to give scholars a fun, exciting break from their studies and the ability to further build a supportive community.
Support Our Scholars
Make a difference for our scholars and get credit for your donation at the same time. Through the Arizona Foster Care Tax Credit, donations to AFFCF are eligible for a dollar-for-dollar credit on your Arizona state taxes. Couples can contribute up to $1,051 and individuals up to $526. Give today!