The Power of Mentorship at Foster Progress

How meaningful relationships and scholarship support help students from foster care not just attend college, but belong there.

by Jenn Tatum, Mentoring & Scholarship Program Manager
October 14, 2025

Navigating the path to higher education can be daunting for any student, and for young people who have experienced foster care, the journey often comes with additional challenges and barriers. The Foster Progress Mentoring and Scholarships Program provides mentoring, advocacy, and financial support, creating a supportive community for students to not only apply for and attend college, but to thrive during their journey from high school to college. 

At its core, the program connects youth with dedicated mentors. Eligible youth are ages 16-24 and have experienced foster care and shown interest in going to college. Youth may apply to the Mentoring and Scholarship Program as early as their junior year in high school. 

Our mentors have graduated college and are professionals from a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and fields, all with a goal to provide consistent one-on-one support. Mentors work with mentees to set academic goals, build life skills, and navigate the often-complex college admissions process. Dylan, a student in the program shares this about his mentor, Frank:

“Coming into this program I didn’t think I’d get much out of it at all, but I wanted to give it a chance and see where it went. I was in desperate need of financial and school advice. I wanted to get out of my community college and transfer to a university. A small part of me also felt out of place and wanted to give up.”

Each time a student meets with their mentor, they earn scholarship money which can be used towards college expenses once they are enrolled in a post-secondary 2-year college, 4-year university, or trade school program. Funds may be used towards tuition, books, transportation, and other education-related expenses, offering essential support for students who may not have a traditional financial safety net.

Mentors provide individualized college and career planning support, helping students explore different types of schools, understand financial aid, complete college applications, and navigate their first year of college. Mentors, along with program staff, also assist students with completing the FAFSA and DCFS postsecondary support applications like the DCFS Scholarship. 

“My mentor Frank has swung me in the right direction, and I have now been accepted into two universities. I am also on a good financial path because Frank has helped me with budgeting,” says Dylan.

We provide support to 60 students each year. This year’s annual Year-End Celebration sent our largest class ever, 13 students, off to college with College Essential Dorm Kits, both to celebrate their accomplishments and provide necessities for the transition to college. 

Student support is holistic, emphasizing academic achievement and long-term self-sufficiency, providing support with budgeting, time management, building connections, healthy relationships, and creating a network of support that lasts well beyond high school graduation.  

According to Dylan, “Frank has emphasized multiple times that when I complete Foster Progress, he will be around. A few weeks into meeting Frank he reassured me that as long as I was willing to allow him into my life he’d gladly be there. This is very comforting and makes me feel valued and cared for. He has made an effort to show me he will forever be a supporter in my life. . . He has really changed my life.”

In 2025, 5500 people who experienced foster care in Illinois took the first steps to attending college this fall, but fewer than 500 are likely to graduate. Foster Progress is determined to change that number by making higher education accessible and achievable. 

When asked what it meant to Frank to hear how much his support has meant to Dylan, Frank said, “It's amazing to know that my effort matters and that Dylan appreciates the time we spend together. I feel very fortunate that I get to be there for him when he needs me."

Whether it’s a text message before a big test, a ride to a college visit, or help filling out FAFSA, Foster Progress mentors and staff are there every step of the way to make sure our students feel supported and celebrated as they make progress on their individual goals, journey, and future.  

Are you a caseworker interested in referring a young person to participate? 

Complete the Referral Form on our website. 

Where can youth apply directly?

Youth can apply directly through the Student Application on our website.