Fostering Jayhawk Success
About
Fostering Jayhawk Success is a network of professionals working together to support former foster youth throughout their journey at the University of Kansas. Its aim is to encourage academic and personal success, as well as degree completion, for students who have been in foster care.
Benefits
- Single Point of Contact (Home base) to help you find the resources and services you need throughout your time at KU
- Access to a network of staff, faculty and fellow students who are knowledgeable about programs and policies that may impact you, such as Kansas Kids GEAR UP, the Kansas tuition waiver and Independent Living services
- Priority admission to the TRIO SES STEM opportunity programs, which provide direct services to students who are first-generation, low-income, or who have a disability
Eligibility
Students that might benefit from the support offered by Fostering Jayhawk Success:
- Were in foster care at the age of 18, or at the time they graduated from high school
- Were in foster care at any time since turning 13
- Are emancipated minors
- Are unaccompanied homeless youth or those who appear to be at risk of experiencing homelessness
If you identify with any of the descriptions above, we encourage you to connect with us! Our goal is to help you to have a good experience here at KU, and to support you in any way that we can.
There is no cost to participate in Fostering Jayhawk Success, nor any application process – just email or call and let us know you’d like to connect. While we strongly encourage students in FJS to also become part of our TRIO SES & STEM program, it is not required. Participation in FJS is completely voluntary.
Areas of Focus
- Increase understanding of policies and programs that may impact students who have been in foster care
- Create a network of campus professionals who can help coordinate resources and services for students
- Reach out to students directly to welcome them, and to help them build supportive connections with staff and fellow students