By Steven Gaither – HBCU Gameday

HBCU looking to offer foster care students HOPE (and money)

Livingstone College is using its HBCU mission to target students aging out of foster care with a program built to remove barriers to higher education.

The Salisbury, North Carolina-based institution is doing that through the H.O.P.E. Emancipation Project. The initiative offers a full support system for foster care youth who want to attend college but may lack the financial, emotional or family support that many students depend on.

Qualified students can receive an investment of up to $35,000. That support can cover tuition, on-campus housing, a meal plan and coordinated mental health services. Students are also paired with a dedicated success coach.

That last piece is especially important. The transition from foster care to adulthood can be difficult. The transition to college can be even harder. Livingstone College is trying to make sure those students do not have to navigate either journey alone.

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