Contents
Foreword Tyrone C. Howard ix
Series Foreword James A. Banks xiii
Acknowledgments xix
1. Introduction 1
Setting the Stage 1
Purpose and Scope 4
Conceptual Scaffolding 5
The Students 6
More than an Intellectual Exercise: My Journey to this Work 8
Reading From Foster Care to College 9
Person-Centered Language: A Note About Terms 12
Chapter Overview 12
2. System Failure: Navigating and Resisting Foster Care 14
The Foundations of American Foster Care 15
In Their Own Words: Life in Foster Care 20
Common Threads: The Challenges of Stability, Care, and Safety 24
Navigating Systemic Failures with Resilience 28
Conclusion 29
3. “A Hope in the Unseen”: Navigating K–12 Education and Fostering College Dreams 31
K–12 Educational Challenges 32
Fostering and Sustaining College Dreams: Barbie’s Story 39
Conclusion 43
4. Choosing College as a Matter of Belonging 45
College Choice as a Matter of Belonging 46
Transitioning to College: Navigating New Beginnings 51
Conclusion 55
5. “Bridges” to Postsecondary Retention, Persistence, and Success 57
Dylan’s Story 58
Conclusion 68
Conclusion 69
1. Ensure Placement Stability and Decrease School Mobility with Attention to Equity 71
2. Extend Foster Care Nationally 72
3. Prepare K–12 Educators to Support Youth in Foster Care 72
4. States Should Appoint Ombuds Officers for Children and Families 73
5. Implement Early College Awareness and Preparation Programs 73
6. Provide Year-Round Campus Housing 74
7. Invest in Campus Support Programs for Youth in Foster Care 75
8. Address Family Privilege and Educational Traditions 75
Final Thoughts 76
Appendix: An Overview of the Study 77
References 83
Index 89
About the Author 93
