Transforming Lives of Former Foster Youths: A Campus-Based Support Program Grounded in Social Work Values

Support programs to improve higher education outcomes for former foster youths have emerged in the past 20 years, but literature to guide their development and implementation is limited. This conceptual article presents the program logic model for ACE [Achieving College Excellence] Scholars Services, the comprehensive, campus-based program supporting former foster youths grounded in social work values at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM). ACE has a noncompetitive application process that accepts an unrestricted number of students, known as ACE Scholars. To focus on the unique needs of former foster youths, students who are on probation, experiencing homeless, and unaccompanied minors are included if they have also experienced foster care. Funded by private donors, the Center for ACE Scholars on CSUSM's campus provides an inviting, welcoming space that reflects the inclusive support ACE Scholars receive. By increasing educational attainment and opportunities for this vulnerable population, ACE aims to improve outcomes for former foster youths and their next generation. Articulating this program logic model provides implications for developing and implementing support programs for former foster youths on college campuses and sets the foundation for evaluating the impact of ACE Scholars Services.