by Maddie Aiken | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
It took time for Briana Beach to build up the courage to talk about her housing insecurities when she started her higher education journey at 麻豆精品 last year.
But slowly, Ms. Beach did gain that courage 鈥� and now, the sophomore psychology major is part of the Oakland university鈥檚 new Community Scholars Program, which provides resources, community and support to students who have experienced homelessness or foster care.
Ms. Beach is one of about 30 students in the program that officially launched this year after a pilot program in 2023-24.
鈥淲hen you鈥檙e in front of brand new people, you don鈥檛 always want to share the most vulnerable parts of you,鈥� Ms. Beach said. 鈥淏ut [Carlow] was very welcoming. 鈥� Having this program is a move toward more inclusivity.鈥�
The program aims to address the challenges that foster care and homeless youth face as they graduate high school and consider secondary education. of former foster care youth earn a four-year degree, and homeless youth are to attend college than their housed classmates.
In Allegheny County, about 3,100 students and roughly 1,300 children and teens
鈥淲e came across that disparity, and it was something that we obviously wanted to respond to,鈥� said Mollie Cecere, Carlow鈥檚 vice president of enrollment management.
The Carlow Community Scholars Program is open to enrolled students who self-identify that they were in foster care or have experienced housing insecurities.
Through the program, students can access academic and hygienic resources like backpacks, laptops and toothpaste. They receive weekly coaching from Carlow staff and graduate students, who check in on the students鈥� grades, mental health and employment opportunities.
These students can also enjoy a physical gathering space on campus with comfy seats and a stocked fridge, said Susan Dawkins, the program鈥檚 director.
鈥淲e strive to create a welcoming environment,鈥� Ms. Dawkins said. 鈥淔or students who might have been displaced multiple times, it’s nice to have a space that’s rooted.鈥�
Published 09/07/24