CARE Scholarship Program

CARE Eligible students enrolling at Central in the fall as first-time students are eligible to participate in a summer bridge program with other incoming first-year students prior to starting their fall semester. The summer bridge program is a no-cost residential program aimed at helping first-year students enhance their academic and personal skills for a successful transition from high school to college. The program helps students build a sense of belonging and knowledge about the various resources available at Central. During the summer bridge program, students earn Central credits that meet graduation requirements, participate in academic and personal wellness workshops, engage with peers, faculty, and staff, and gain information about potential majors and careers.

CARE students are able to receive CASA specific tutoring services. They are also connected to additional on-campus resources such as tutoring to assist them with academic challenges. In addition, social and emotional support are offered by the Counseling & Wellness Center.

Students will receive assistance with course selection and career exploration.

Peer Mentors are matched with CARE Scholars to help students in the transition to college. The Success Central Program support first and second year students by matching them with a trained junior or senior peer mentor at Central. Students are supported in areas key to success such as time-management, study tips, where to go for help dealing with a particular issue, how to balance life demands & classes, gaining experience in your major, and making friends.

CARE Scholars participate in workshops/forums that help ensure students have the personal and academic skills for successful transition to career and life after graduation.

ElevateU is a Chafee-funded academic enrichment program designed to provide additional support to college students with lived foster care experience. ElevateU eligible students are eligible to receive additional resources including targeted academic coaching, individualized support, and other enrichment opportunities that helps students navigate academic challenges, stay engaged in their education, and make progress toward graduation.

You may be eligible if you:​

• Spent time in foster care at or after the age of 14
• Left foster care through adoption or transfer of guardianship at age 16 or older
• Are currently between the ages of 16 and 26 AND are enrolled in a post-secondary education program or other institute of higher learning

To learn more or see if you qualify, contact Jessica Hernandez, jessica.hernandez@ccsu.edu.

ETV (Education and Training Voucher) funds are available to help with costs related to student's success in their post-secondary education/vocation program. Students are eligible for up to $5,000 per year for up to five years.

Funds can support:

• Laptops/Computers/Printers/Ipad
• Tuition Balance/Fees
• Transportation
• Fees to assist with getting a license (e.g. practice driving hours)
• Books/Supplies/Cost of Attendance
• Fees for Study Abroad

Youth who are US citizens and experienced foster care at age 14 or older, or left foster care for adoption/kinship guardianship at age 16 or older, are eligible up to their 26th birthday.

To learn more, and/or apply visit: https://www.unashamedinc.org/