DOTHAN, AL (WDNews) The Support for Success Program offers up to $5,000 annually to more than 300 foster adolescents in Alabama for college or trade school costs.
The program’s goal is to alleviate financial burdens for youth who have aged out of the foster care system. It is run by the nonprofit organization Embrace Alabama Kids and is financed by a federal grant.
In a statement, K. Blake Horne, president and CEO of Embrace Alabama Kids, said that college should be a time of learning and discovery rather than fear and anxiety. For years, a small number of foster youngsters have been able to attend college because to our higher education program, which offers a safe home base.
Foster adolescents who turned 18 while in foster care, as well as those who were adopted or put in kinship-guardianship programs after the age of 16, are eligible. Applications can be submitted by phone at (334) 387-2168, via email at [email protected], or online at the Embrace Alabama Kids website.
In addition, the foundation runs two foster homes exclusively for college students: one serves Northwest Shoals Community College and the University of North Alabama, while the other serves Stillman College, Shelton State Community College, and the University of Alabama.
The National Foster Youth Institute reports that less than 10% of foster youth nationwide earn a college degree. According to state data, the lowest graduation percentage among student groups in Alabama was 63% of foster adolescents who completed high school during the 2023–24 academic year.
