College Road Trips
Get Inspired
Each year, Foster Progress travels to Illinois colleges, bringing students, caregivers, guardians, parents, and mentors to find out which colleges deliver success for youth in foster care! If you have always imagined yourself in college, now is the time to start your search. The trips are FREE to all youth ages 15 and up who were ever in foster care. During Fall 2025, come explore schools like Northeastern Illinois, University of Illinois, and North Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are we headed next?
Join us for three Fall 2025 College Road Trips!
North Park University - Saturday, November 8th
University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) - Tuesday, November 11th
Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) - To be announced
Who can come?
Anyone who has ever been in foster care, ages 15 and up. Returned home? Yes! Adopted? Yes! Group home? Yes! ILO? Yes! TLP? Yes! Do you have to be in our mentoring program to come on the trip? No!
These trips are intended for youth who are interested in attending college after high school. Youth should conduct themselves as a college-bound student, ready to make a good impression and engage with the day’s activities. Youth who are disrespectful will not be invited to attend future trips.
Mentors, caseworkers, caregivers, and guardians are invited to attend with their student participant as well.
How does transportation work?
For Fall 2025 College Road Trips, we are popping up all around Chicago. Students will be given a transportation stipend to meet us on campus. A meeting spot will be determined on each campus and College Road Trip, and will be shared in advance of the trip. Students are responsible for arriving on time to participate in the activities for the day, which include meetings with college admissions, learning about financial aid, campus tours, meeting with student support services, and with other students, including Y-CAP students on some campuses! Let us know in advance if you need transportation assistance.
What is the timing?
We will confirm the specific timing for each College Road Trip through email in advance of the trip. Typically, we are scheduling day trips that begin between 9-10am and end in the afternoon around 2-3pm. Trip timing will vary depending on the school that we are visiting.
What should I bring?
A positive attitude, your interest and curiosity, and a willingness to learn about the college we are visiting! Meals are provided, and be sure to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
What will be provided?
A travel stipend based on distance to each campus
Lunch
College Merch (a t-shirt)
Support from Foster Progress to answer questions about applying to college