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Signature Programs - Great Expectations

For youth who have experienced foster care, adolescence is a search for someone who is willing to invest in their future. Here in Virginia, that search can end in success thanks to the coaches who provide one-on-one support through Great Expectations.

 

Today, the mean annual earnings projection for individuals who have experienced foster care is only $13,989. Compare that to the $32,212 projected annual earnings for members of their peer group and it’s easy to see why Great Expectations aims to bridge this gap and help students prepare for lifelong career success.

 

The Great Expectations program began in 2008 with a generous challenge grant from the Fried family. The program, which began by serving students in five colleges, now reaches foster youth in 21 of Virginia’s community colleges. As of 2018, the Great Expectations program has served over 3,000 foster youth and now celebrates the graduation of more than 100 program participants per year.

 

 

Coach Mickey has been working with the Great Expectations program since it launched in 2008. He works as a single point of contact and support for former foster youth on his campus to help those students achieve success.

Coach Mickey

Central Virginia Community College

Program Strategy

One of the ways Great Expectations helps to position foster youth for success is with the personal support of campus coaches. Having a single point of contact and guidance for these students is the most critical link in helping them achieve their educational goals.

 

Great Expectations campus coaches work with students to:

 

  • Provide mentoring and support to students navigating higher education
  • Assist students with admissions and financial aid applications
  • Help students explore career choices and opportunities
  • Counsel students on course selection and program progression
  • Help students connect to college resources
  • Assist students with life skills training, including managing finances
  • Provide access to an emergency fund
  • Help overcome barriers to success, including housing, transportation, and childcare
  • Provide opportunities to participate in group activities

Placed in foster care at age eleven, Thomas went through ten homes and nineteen schools in only two years. When he enrolled at John Tyler Community College, he was paired with Great Expectations Coach Vicky. Thanks to her support, Thomas graduated with a degree in Business Administration and quickly found stable employment.

Thomas

Graduate, John Tyler Community College

Lasting Impact

The most important impact is on the lives of former foster youth who went from feeling broken, abandoned, and hopeless to feeling confident, accomplished, and hopeful. With a caring, supportive coach, these vulnerable youth have achieved success in higher education and the opportunity for a bright future.

 

Thanks to our supporters, over 1,500 former foster youth are working with coaches each year to help reach their academic and career goals!

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