A $40,000 grant to support students leaving foster care due to their ages was awarded to the El Camino College Foundation by the Pritzker Foster Care Initiative, the college announced Thursday.
The money will be used to support the college’s Guardian Scholars program designed to increase retention and academic persistence among students coming from the foster system.
Currently, there are 68 Guardian Scholars receiving help to cover their costs for tuition, books and school supplies in addition to attending monthly LINK UP meetings where they can get additional support from peers and professionals.
Every year, about 23,000 young people “age out” of the foster system, never having found a permanent home, which makes them more likely to experience challenges with completing their education, getting a job and maintaining financial security, according to El Camino College officials.
— City News Service