News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 03, 2004

Local organization aims to improve pre-college services for foster youth

Lumina Foundation grant supports research, expands service, access

INDIANAPOLIS -- If a local social service organization and a private foundation have their way, Indiana’s foster youth and those nearing system age limits will get more help in preparing for college enrollment.

The IARCCA Institute for Excellence, Inc., plans to improve the educational success of foster youth using a $121,800 grant from Lumina Foundation for Education as part of the Foundation’s Breaking the Cycle program. IARCCA (formerly known as the Indiana Association of Residential Child Care Agencies) will use the money to serve as a statewide resource for agencies that want to improve postsecondary access for Hoosier foster children. For example, it will survey foster youth and review existing programs to report on their quality and quantity. It will also put a plan in place for expanding pre-college access programs.

“Many students hit a variety of academic, financial and social roadblocks on their way to success in postsecondary education,” said Martha D. Lamkin, president and CEO of Lumina Foundation. “We aim to help Indiana foster youth overcome those bumps in the road by funding innovative programs that give students a better chance at success.”

Research shows that foster youth are traditionally underserved in higher education because they don’t know about available resources and they lack access to support services. Studies also show that successful transitional living programs connect current and former foster youth with potential postsecondary educational opportunities through tutoring, college tours and assistance with financial aid applications.

Breaking the Cycle is one of the few programs to focus on eliminating barriers and improving access to postsecondary education for foster youth. The IARCCA project in particular is the first in Indiana to focus on Hoosier foster youth and establish baseline data on the effectiveness of pre-college access programs for them. IARCCA will survey youth advisory boards to solicit student perspectives on access issues and share survey findings with other service providers.

“Foster youth face many challenges as they struggle to graduate from high school, learn to be self-sufficient and find emotional support as they enter adulthood,” said Cathleen Graham, IARCCA’s Executive Director. “This grant will greatly assist their foster parents, youth care workers, and agency staff to support their educational achievement and advance their goals to succeed in college or vocational school. Educational achievement is the number one factor in achieving success as an adult. With the resources this grant offers, we hope to reclaim lost educational opportunities for foster youth and give current foster youth a positive start in their careers.”

IARCCA is uniquely positioned to carry out the Breaking the Cycle grant work. It represents 92 licensed or accredited agencies in more than 45 Indiana counties. The organization secures training and research funds to promote quality assurance of foster youth services across the state.

Lumina Foundation grant funds will support the foster youth project coordinator’s salary and the cost of developing survey instruments, conducting focus groups, completing survey analysis and facilitating training sessions for transitional living service providers statewide.

Lumina Foundation for Education, a private, independent foundation, strives to help people achieve their potential by expanding access and success in education beyond high school. Through research, grants for innovative programs and communication initiatives, Lumina Foundation addresses issues surrounding access and success — particularly among underserved student groups, including adult learners. The Foundation bases its mission on the belief that post-secondary education remains one of the most beneficial investments that individuals can make in themselves and that society can make in its people. For more information, contact Dave Powell, director of communication.