Planning for College
Going to college can completely change the life trajectory for a foster youth.
College promises a career, not just a job, offers long-term financial stability and expands horizons. Today, having a high school diploma is just not enough. The fastest growing job sectors all require some education beyond high school, so education matters now more than ever.
Planning for college can be an overwhelming experience for anyone, but for foster youth, who may not have family to provide guidance, it can be especially difficult. The good news is that there are tools available to increase the odds of foster youth attending and graduating.
Connect to Support Programs
Assess Skills and Interests
Instilling a vision of going to college can start at any age and concrete planning can begin as early as middle school. These websites and resources can help youth to begin contemplating their career goals and life after high school.
Know What Classes to Take
In order to attend a 4-year university, students must take certain classes known as “a-g” classes. For students planning to attend a community college, taking the right classes in high school can increase the chances of success. School counselors can be a valuable resource for helping a youth determine what classes are needed along with the resources below.
- Foster Youth Educational Planning Guide: Step by step guide to help foster your plan for college. A Spanish version is also available.
- Californiacolleges.edu: Includes an online college planning tool that students can use to track their high school courses and upload them automatically into their college applications.
- CSU Planning Guide: Provides information by grade for high school students planning to apply to a CSU.
- A-G Courses: View a list of courses required for admission to a CSU or UC campus.
