For many youth exiting the foster care system, going to college poses a challenge. ACC helps them navigate that transition with a strong Foster Care Alumni Program. One of the program’s signature events is the annual Jump Start Orientation.

College staff help orientation participants understand what to expect in college and share information on financial aid, tips for success, and other important topics. KUT Radio covered this summer’s orientation and showed how ACC is partnering with other groups to help foster care alumni take the next step in their life. | Check out the story.

“This is the first experience with college for many foster care alumni,” says Loretta Edelen, director of community outreach at ACC. “Students who go through the foster care system benefit from additional support in order to successfully transition into college.”

Loretta Edelen and student Quinton Keehn, with luggage collected for foster care alumni.

ACC also collects luggage to donate to foster care alumni. When teenagers in foster care graduate from high school, they often leave their foster residences with nothing in which to carry their belongings.

“Many times, foster care alumni carry their belongings in a garbage bag or pillowcase,” says Edelen. “A new piece of luggage can really help them with their transition to adulthood.”

The official kickoff for the next luggage drive will be this fall, but donations are welcome at any time. For more information, contact Edelen at (512) 223.5106 or [email protected].

Details on the Foster Care Alumni Program are available at austincc.edu/fca.