The PEYC Statewide Workgroup

Post-Secondary Education for Youth in Care

October 8, 2025

Since 2021, representatives from Illinois colleges, universities, community-based organizations (like Foster Progress), and state agencies have organized a statewide workgroup to collectively improve the outcomes of youth in care in post-secondary education.

The most exciting outgrowth of this group’s dedicated work has been the development and implementation of Y-CAP (Youth in Care - College Advocate Program). Now entering its third year, Y-CAP functions on eight college campuses around the state. Its purpose is to connect youth who experienced foster care to others on their campus, creating a supportive community, lead by Peer Advocates. Those who have experienced care and successfully completed at least one year on-campus are hired as Peer Advocates to develop these groups and mentor the youth on their campuses.

Next month, the PEYC will host its inaugural Virtual College Fair for Youth in Care.

Current members of the PEYC Workgroup include representatives from: