# Understanding the Fostering Postsecondary Success for Foster and Homeless Youth Act

This bill creates a new recognition program for colleges and universities that do an excellent job supporting foster youth and homeless students. Essentially, the federal government will identify and publicly highlight schools that offer outstanding help to these vulnerable students, making it easier for foster and homeless youth to find colleges that understand their unique challenges and can provide real support.

The bill establishes a "Foster and Homeless Youth Friendly" designation that colleges can earn by offering specific types of support services. These might include mentorship programs that pair students with experienced mentors, academic tutoring, on-campus or subsidized housing, financial aid specifically for foster and homeless students, mental health counseling from professionals who understand their situations, help navigating other government assistance programs, and life skills training for jobs and personal success. Schools apply annually and compete based on merit—the best programs get recognized. Every year, the Department of Education will publish a list of recognized schools on its website so students know where to find supportive environments.

To make this program work effectively, the bill also requires the federal government to establish a support center within two years that helps colleges develop and improve their programs for these students. This center will share best practices, provide technical assistance, and gather information about what strategies actually work. The center will work with nonprofits, government agencies, colleges, and most importantly, with current and former foster youth and homeless students themselves to understand what support matters most.

The bill also includes oversight to ensure quality. Every five years, the government will review recognized schools to make sure they're still providing the promised services. If a school stops meeting the standards, its recognition gets revoked. The government will also regularly brief Congress on what's working and provide recommendations for improvement. This is fundamentally about making higher education more accessible and achievable for young people who've faced housing instability or been in the foster care system.

Fostering Postsecondary Success for Foster and Homeless Youth Act of 2021

Kildee, Daniel T.

Fostering Postsecondary Success for Foster and Homeless Youth Act of 2021 This bill establishes a program through which the Department of Education (ED) must annually recognize institutions of higher education (IHEs) that offer outstanding services and programs to foster care and homeless youth. Further, ED must establish a Center for Fostering Postsecondary Success for Foster and Homeless Youth to assist IHEs with creating and maintaining their programs for these youth.