Fostering Black Bear Success

The Fostering Black Bear Success Program connects students from a foster care background with available and needed resources both on campus and in the community.

Identified participants can receive case-management services through the Points-of-Contact at Penn Highlands. Our staff can assist with all aspects of college enrollment, including but not limited to:

• Application, financial aid assistance, and academic advising.
• Obtaining verification of foster care status on or after age 16.
• Assistance in accessing available Federal and State financial aid resources, and scholarship and grant opportunities including the Chafee Grant and the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program.
• Serve as a liaison with community resources and offices.

What Financial Support is Available for Foster Youth?

• FAFSA is the starting point to check your eligibility for grants, loans, and work study opportunities. Complete the FAFSA.
• Chafee Grant
• Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program

• Eligibility

  To qualify for the Fostering Black Bear Success program, you must be an applying student or a currently enrolled student at Penn Highlands Community College, be between the ages of 16 and 25, and identify with one of the following statements:

  • Identified as a youth in foster care or a youth discharged from foster care at the age of 16 or older, or

  • Exited foster care at the age of 16 or older to adoption or permanent legal custodianship or Independent Living

To learn more about this program, please contact:

• Mindy Nitch, 814.262.6433