Background

Former foster youth who attend college traverse complicated financial aid policies, find academic help for challenging classes, and discuss coursework with (sometimes) intimidating professors – often without guidance or support.  Colorado State University recognizes that these students might need guidance about academic policies, academic advising, legal services, counseling, career planning and other campus resources.

The Colorado State Fostering Success Mentoring program can provide caring support and assistance in navigating the systems of a large university — because mentors are CSU faculty and staff who have insight, experience, and knowledge of how to succeed at college and beyond.

Program Structure and Components

The mission of the Fostering Success Mentoring Program is to provide campus-based mentoring to former foster youth who are students at Colorado State University. The program matches students with a mentor to assist the student in maximizing all resources available.  The ultimate goals of the program are to impact the retention, academic success, and graduation of students from foster care backgrounds. By pairing mentors and mentees over the course of several academic years or more, with scheduled meetings in a comfortable environment, students will be given the opportunity to talk about his or her academic needs, share his or her goals, and discuss concerns and issues.

Program components include one-on-one mentoring activities, as well as support programs that encourage academic excellence, self-advocacy, and autonomy of participating students. Mentors and mentees schedule their individual meetings. Training is provided for mentors on activity ideas, trust building, handling difficult issues, and other pertinent information.  Various events are organized throughout the year (such as a mentor-mentee spaghetti dinner) to further faculty and student interaction.

For more information, please contact