For over ten years, the National undergraduate college completion rate for foster youth has remained at a dismal 3%-4%, according to the National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI). Additionally, for foster youth, the financial resources, basic needs like housing and other support services needed to complete post-secondary education can be inaccessible and difficult to attain. Come hear about the work Campus Compact in partnership with HUD is doing to support foster youth overcoming housing as a barrier to higher education. We will share what we've learned over the last couple of months from talking to people on the ground doing amazing work across the board to address different aspects of this systemic issue. This Coalition Conversation will create opportunities for individuals to learn, share what they are doing, and explore opportunities to get engaged in this critical work.  

The Coalition Conversation will be facilitated by Campus Compact's 2023-2024 Foster Care Youth Housing Fellow, Reggie Blaylock.

Agenda:

• Brief overview of the project 
• Updates on HUD Think Tank retreat held in Fall 2023, policy language and updates, and existing place-based partnerships underway 
• Panel discussion of HUD leaders 
• Discussion and brainstorming on what's next and how to get involved 

Who should attend?
This event is free and open to members and non-members. Representatives interested in learning more about how to support former foster youth on their campuses are encouraged to attend.