It’s a new semester and AFFCF recently added 31 new scholars to our Scholarship program, creating a new total of 85 students currently in the program. For so many youth aging out of foster care, being awarded the AFFCF scholarship is a game changer:
“Thank you for this opportunity to succeed and thrive in school. It helps me stay less stressed.
Jayden
I would have never imagined attending school.”
“Words cannot explain how grateful I am! I would have not been here
Savannah
if it wasn’t for the generous donors who make scholarships like these possible.”
“Thank you for your generosity! I really appreciate your investment into my future.
Joseph
I will continue to strive for success.”
Getting to college is just the first step. The odds of a young person aging out of foster care to successfully earn a Bachelor’s degree is incredibly low. In fact, nationally, 97% of youth aging out of foster care WILL NOT earn a degree.
More than Financial Aid
What makes AFFCF’s Post-Secondary programs different is that we offer support to scholars that goes beyond financial aid. At the start of the fall and spring semesters, we bring scholars together for a semester kick-off dinner that allows them to get acquainted with other scholars in the program who have similar backgrounds. These events serve as a catalyst to creating a community where students can form friendships and create a sense of community among each other.
Scholars also receive monthly check-in calls with AFFCF to discuss any concerns or challenges students may be facing. AFFCF regularly sends students relevant information about additional scholarship opportunities and on-campus support programs specifically for students with foster care backgrounds. They also have access to financial literacy classes and emergency funding for unexpected expenses that could derail their education.
To give a little break from day-to-day college life, AFFCF treats students to a mid-semester event. Past events have included horseback riding and excursions to Bearizona, Desert Botanical Garden and Biosphere 2. These mid-semester events offer a moment to relax, as well as another opportunity to build a community of support among each other.
During finals time, AFFCF volunteers help pack and send each scholar a care package. Each package is personalized to include items that scholars request…comfy blankets and fuzzy socks, snacks and gift cards. The packages also contain notes from our volunteers providing positive, reaffirming messages that provide moral support and to let students know they have someone in their corner, cheering them on.
Support from All Angles
By supporting the whole student, AFFCF’s Post-Secondary programs show students they matter and they have supporters who stand behind them. Encouraging and enabling scholars to overcome the challenges they face is how we improve the odds for success for students with foster care backgrounds.
You can 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!