The program was developed over the course of a year through collaboration with UVU administrators and faculty, foster care representatives and youth involved in foster care. Experts from UVU’s Mental Health Services with personal experience in foster care also created specialized training for UVU employees.

Recognizing the effects that a history of trauma can have on learning and development, the program creates a trauma-informed approach to best engage with students. It highlights the importance of understanding the impact of trauma, key features of the foster care system and how to help students find purpose during their education.

Wendy Simmerman, senior director of workforce alignment at UVU and a long-term foster parent, created this program by witnessing the challenges youth face as they age out of the system. Youth involved in foster care tend to face seemingly endless obstacles and are expected to join higher education with deep-rooted histories of trauma, lack of family support and limited awareness of how to adjust to new education settings.

“Youth coming from the foster care system face significant barriers to completing their education,” Simmerman said. “The most rewarding part of working on this initiative was meeting with alumni, staff and faculty who have overcome those barriers and done it. Their resilience and courage show us what is possible, and their generosity in sharing their experiences helped us create a foundation of support that will benefit them for years to come.”

The Foster Success program collaborated with the Office of the Provost, Academic Affairs and other key divisions at UVU to provide the most impact. By recognizing that these students face difficult and unique challenges, the program and its partnerships provide the necessary support for them to succeed academically and personally. It directly points them to services involving housing and food security, financial aid and even counseling to ensure every holistic need is met.

Associate Provost of Student Success David R. Connelly is another essential leader in the program. “We realize that often students who come to UVU from foster care have experienced disruption and trauma, impacting both their studies and their well-being,” Connelly said. “An encouraging support network is key to any student’s success — more so for students who lack stable family support. We want our students who have navigated life in the foster care system to know they are smart, resilient and capable.”

As UVU continues prioritizing student success and belonging, the Foster Success program provides hope for foster youth pursuing higher education. The obstacle guidance, empathic support and caring network creation prove how every UVU student can thrive, regardless of their background. The program is paving the way to change lives and build successful futures for each student.

For more information on the Foster Success program or how to get involved, visit uvu.edu/foster-success/.

Kacie Huff is a student employee for Utah Valley University Public Relations.