Great Expectations was funded through private philanthropic efforts to fulfill an unmet need. Since the program’s inception, more than 3,800 young people with foster care experience have enrolled in college. Great Expectations students achieve graduation at 3x the national average for foster youth. This nationally recognized program is currently available at all 23 of Virginia’s community colleges. It helps Virginians with experience in foster care complete high school, access a community college education, and transition from the foster care system to independent living.
The program connects students with coaches who meet them where they are–in high school or aging out of foster care–and become a dependable support system when planning for the future. Students’ skills, values, and interests help shape the team’s goals, and the program helps students beat the odds year after year.
Services may include:
- Individualized tutoring
- Help applying for college admission and financial aid
- Career exploration and coaching
- Help applying for and keeping a job
- Life skills training, including managing finances
- Personalized mentoring
For more information about Great Expectations, visit www.greatexpectations.vccs.edu or contact studentservices@es.vccs.edu.