The University System of Georgia is hosting a series of summer precollegiate programs for youth experiencing foster care in Georgia at campuses around the state in summer 2023.
Participants will spend multiple days on the campus receiving important information on college preparation, learning about the college application process, developing their personal leadership skills, and discovering new opportunities.
During the program, participants will stay in residence halls, eat in the dining halls, participate in recreational sports, and visit campus facilities. In addition, current college students from each campus will serve as mentors to the youth. The youth also will meet with university professors, counselors, and other professionals about how the college process, from admissions and financial aid to educational pathways and majors.
Application Deadline is May 10
For questions about the application process, contact Shirley Reyes or David Meyers.
A recording of a March 8 information session is available online. Click here to view
More information from the virtual information sessions is also available here
The 2023 summer program schedule is as follows:
Savannah State University: June 4 – 9, 2023 – Savannah, Ga.
- Savannah State University is inviting students from grades 9 to 11 who are currently associated with the foster care system to participate in courses that connect them to careers and related experiences. They will have Admissions, Advisement, and Financial Aid workshops. They will also have engaging workshops on math, social work, public administration, marine sciences, criminal justice, mass communication, and education. Students will also be able to engage in a marine science boat ride, create a PSA in the radio station, visit public administrators in City Hall, learn about careers in water treatment, and participate in a live performance for future theatre majors.
- Contact: Jacqueline Awe
East Georgia State College: June 6 – 8, 2023 – Swainsboro, Ga.
- The East Georgia State College (EGSC) Precollegiate Summer Program is open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors between ages 14-17 who are currently in the Foster Care system. EGSC’s program provides an overview of the college-going process, from applying to college through graduation at a two-year institution. Program participants will tour various colleges and universities in the area and will interact with staff from various departments such as Admissions, Financial Aid, Registrar’s Office, Housing, and Athletics.
- Contact: Veronica Cheers
University of Georgia: June 11 – 15, 2023 – Athens, Ga.
- The summer precollegiate program facilitated by the UGA J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development invites high school students currently in foster care to come to the UGA campus and build their ‘college knowledge.’ Participants spend five days on campus at the University of Georgia, during which they receive information on college preparation, learn about the college application process, develop leadership skills, and discover new opportunities. Priority is for rising sophomores and juniors who are in foster care. We do include academic exposure opportunities for participants in STEM, STEAM, and Leadership Theory.
- Click here to learn more about the program
- Contact: Shirley Reyes or David Meyers
Dalton State College: June 12 – 15 – Dalton, Ga.
- Camp Kaleidoscope at Dalton State College is a four-day summer program designed for high school students in foster care. The camp curriculum will allow participants to build relationships with peers, mentors, and regional professionals who can serve as a support network as they build confidence to pursue post-secondary education. Additionally, camp participants will have the opportunity to visit multiple campuses to learn about the variety of post- secondary options available to them in our region. Lastly, the camp will focus on helping participants set their postsecondary goals, understand financial literacy, and feel more confident in their ability to network in a professional setting.
- Contact: Heather Williams
Valdosta State University: June 21 – 23, 2023 – Valdosta, Ga.
- Valdosta State University Precollegiate Summer Program focuses on improving post-secondary preparation and access for youth in Lowndes County’s foster care system. The target audience includes approximately 20 students in two different group homes in Lowndes County and/or the surrounding area. The program will include educational sessions about the college admission process, resources that are available to college students, and experiential activities like swimming and rock climbing.
- Contact: Elizabeth (Ann) White Olphie
South Georgia State College: June 22 – 25, 2023 – Douglas, Ga.
- “Hangin’ with the Hawks” is South Georgia State’s Precollegiate Summer Program. The priority audience is rising high school juniors and seniors that are currently in foster care. “Hangin’ With the Hawks” will allow campers to have an on-campus experience with peers. Whether it is making s’mores around a fire pit, splashing in a swimming pool, trying new activities, or making new friends, campers will have fun and learn as a part of SGSC’s welcoming and supportive campus community.
- Contact: Sandra Adams
Fort Valley State University: June 25 – 30, 2023 – Fort Valley, Ga.
- The Fort Valley State University will host Camp EMBARK in the Valley is for 9th-12th grade students who are currently in the foster care system. This 5-day, 4-night program will focus on issues related to the transition to college. Topics will include application and enrolling in college, campus tours, leadership and professional development, conflict resolution and disciplined mindfulness. Participants will have the opportunity to meet faculty, staff, and students and enjoy an immersive experience “in the Valley.”
- Contact: Jacqueline Caskey-James
