Community college is the most common pathway into postsecondary education among young people in foster care. This pathway is a logical choice for both academic and financial reasons. Many young people in foster care with aspirations for postsecondary education need remediation before they are prepared for college-level coursework. At community college, students can take courses commensurate with their skill levels.
They can also earn certificates, associate degrees, or credits to transfer to a four-year school. Additionally, community colleges have lower tuition costs, and therefore are much more affordable than four-year colleges or universities.
This report examines the experiences of community college students who are or were in foster care—and why young people in foster care choose to enroll in community college, what happens to them once they enroll, and whether they are receiving the supports they need to achieve their educational goals.