SWCC
2010 SWCC News
Great Expectations Foster Care Support Program at SWCC
For additional information contact Susan Hagy, Great Expectations campus coach, at 276.964.7304 or email to susan.hagy@sw.edu More information about the program is also available at http://greatexpectations.vccs.edu/
Southwest Virginia Community College is set to become one of twelve Virginia community colleges to participate in Great Expectations, a new program designed to support and provide resources for students who are now or have recently been affiliated with the foster care system. Teens reaching the age of 18 are considered adults and “age out” of the foster care system. Statistics show that this demographic often has a difficult time transitioning into college and/or independent living situation.
Statistics also reveal that less than 2% of foster students actually graduate from college, compared to 28% of the general population. “These students are so bright and have a quiet determination that inspires me every time I sit down with one of them,” said Susan Lowe Hagy, Great Expectations campus coach. Although the program will officially be in place May 1st, Hagy has begun working with students who are already attending SWCC.
“The college is excited to be a part of this much needed initiative,” said Dr. J. Mark Estepp, president of SWCC. “The opportunity to provide this program to these deserving students is extremely rewarding.”
Great Expectations will provide a variety of resources and support for these individuals. The program will assist students with enrolling in classes, seeking financial aid, and career readiness. Hagy will also be working closely with these students to insure their academic success by utilizing resources already established on campus.
“Great Expectations offers older youth in foster care tremendous opportunities for education and career success,” said Former Virginia First Lady Anne Holton, Great Expectations honorary chair. Dr. Glenn DuBois, Chancellor of Virginia’s Community Colleges agrees “Virginia’s community colleges have always focused on how they can best contribute to the good of the Commonwealth, and the plight of these young people is certainly an unmet need. Foster children shouldn’t be forgotten children when it comes to education,” said DuBois.
In addition to private fundraising planned to sustain the program, Great Expectations is currently funded by the Carl Perkins grant, but will be funded through the Virginia Tobacco Commission beginning May 1 for a period of two years.
