Texas Woman’s University in Denton is helping former foster care youth prepare for college through its FAST Academy. The program, which stands for “Foster Alumni Succeed and Thrive”, provides a month-long residential summer school experience for students from across Texas.

Building Academic Skills and Confidence

During their time at the academy, students earn college credit in math and English, attend college-readiness workshops, and participate in field trips, game nights, and other activities. The goal of the program is to help former foster care youth build the academic skills, confidence, and support networks needed to succeed in college.

Less than 10 percent of foster care alumni nationwide earn a college degree. However, the success of the FAST Academy has spurred the creation of a statewide hub to help foster care youth navigate the college-going process.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.