Austin Community College hosts a statewide summit for foster youth to help them begin planning for college and career options in their future. The College and Career Conference will be August 16-17 at ACC Eastview Campus (3401 Webberville Rd.).

“When youth age out of foster care, they can feel lost and alone. This population of youth are more at risk for being homeless due to not being prepared and not having support,” says Steven Christopher, ACC executive director of special populations. “This experience gives these teens a chance to sit down with each other, share their stories and challenges, and learn from others about how they can move forward.”

Statewide, only about 25 percent of youth who age out of foster care use state tuition and fee waivers that are available to them. Of that, only 3 percent go on to graduate college with a degree. At the summit, teens will learn about state tuition waivers and other resources that can help them start and complete college. Workshops include money management and College 101, a guide to getting started.

The event also includes Austin-area activities and experiences. Torchy’s Tacos and Franklin’s BBQ is sponsoring lunches for the summit, and Alamo Drafthouse is hosting dinner and a movie for the group.

To learn more about learning resources at ACC, visit austincc.edu/support.

Tags: college and career, college and career conference, conference, foster, foster care, foster youth, money management, Special Populations, student support, summit, youth