First Star, Inc

There are more than 400,000 foster youth in the United States, and over 3,000 in Miami-Dade County alone. Once removed from their parents because of abuse or neglect, society assumes legal responsibility to ensure that all foster youth have the supports needed to successfully transition to adulthood. However, data demonstrate that these youth face substantial educational disparities and inequities in college access and success. Nationally, only half of foster youth graduate high school and less than three percent earn a bachelor's degree (Courtney, Dworsky, Ruth, Havlicek, Perez, & Keller, 2007). Foster youth who do attend college are more likely to enroll in a 2-year college than other youth, and are less likely to ultimately earn a degree (GAO Report, 2016).

Consistent with these national trends, Florida's foster children lag behind their peers in school. According to the most recent available data from the Florida Department of Education, during the 2013-2014 school year, children in foster care performed worse, on average, in math and reading standardized tests compared to the general school population. Forty-nine percent of foster youth were reportedly in a grade level inconsistent with their age, with 13 percent of them behind by two or more grade levels. First Star at the University of Miami is a four-year college preparation program for youth affected by foster care. The program includes a four-week summer residential program and once a month sessions during the school year to support youth academically and provide life skills supports needed to succeed in high school, college and the workforce.