Emerson Vassilew was struggling to figure out how to sign up for classes and apply for housing when she ended up at the registrar’s office. “And they said we have someone who can help you,” said the first-year studio arts major.
Miles Lenz, a sophomore studying computer science and creative technologies, needed help with the FAFSA and the other “less glamorous” processes that are part of college life.
Noah Lisowski, a first-year student in radiologic technology, was registered as an independent student and homeless.
For all three of these students, UWM’s Fostering Success program provided support and connections that helped them continue their education.
The program, established at UWM in 2017, works with students who’ve come out of foster care, are unaccompanied and homeless, under legal guardianship or who are orphaned or wards of the court.
Currently, UWM has 126 students who are part of the program, according to Tawney Latona, the program’s coordinator.
One of the first in Wisconsin
UWM’s program, modeled on a pioneering effort at UW-Stout, was one of the first Universities of Wisconsin campuses to work with students coming out of the foster care system. Now 10 schools have their own programs serving independent students who may lack support from family.
Students are referred to the program through high school or college counselors, social workers, independent living providers and other concerned adults.
Many of UWM’s referrals come through Student Financial Services, which allows Fostering Success to reach out to students who list “independent” on their FAFSA.
That’s how Terrianna Brown, a senior in animation, found out about the program. “I’ve been interested in art since I was small, through my whole childhood. That’s why I chose this major.”
The email about the Fostering Success program offered her an option for pursuing her dreams. She’s currently finishing up a series of short videos highlighting other students, including those quoted above, who are part of Fostering Success.
Helping with scholarships, supplies and coaching
The program helps students find scholarships and grants, helps them get essential school supplies and laptops, and makes them aware of campus resources such as the food pantry, Latona said. Students also receive regular coaching for academic success and in critical life skills such as wellness practices, budgeting and doing taxes.
The program also includes a student supply closet, student mini-grants, events, snacks in the student lounge and more.
“They made my college life so much easier,” Vassilew said. “Most people have parents who can tell them ‘you need to do this, or think about that.’ A lot of us don’t have that parental figure who gives you a reminder about what you need to do and here’s how you do it,’” she added. The Fostering Success office helps walk students through the whole going to college process, she said.
Fostering Success helped connect Lisowski with campus resources, he said. “Fostering Success has really helped me out with housing and with food. To be honest, I wouldn’t have the happy living situation I have now without Fostering Success.” The program also helped him with a scholarship and referred him to the campus food pantry, “which has been super helpful.”
Helping transition to college
Kaitlyn Fowlie, a senior in criminal justice and criminology, credits regular meetings with Latona for helping her make a successful transition from junior college. “Tawney has been the biggest resource I’ve used. She helped me make sure I was fitting in on campus.”
Carlette Williams decided she wanted to be a nurse when her mother died. She felt her mother hadn’t gotten the support she needed as she battled cancer. “I wanted to be an advocate for patients.”
However, going to college was a challenge for Williams, who is now a senior in nursing, because she didn’t have the family support that most students rely on to handle academic and financial challenges. She found a path through UWM’s Fostering Success program.
Support helps
Williams likes having the opportunity to just come in and talk things through with Latona, or get help with her resume or a cover letter.
Lenz appreciates the peer support.
“It’s nice to have this group of students in similar situations I can talk to about the struggles I’ve had,” Lenz said. “It’s just a really nice place where I can hang out get a cup of coffee and talk to someone when things are getting rough.”
“I didn’t realize how many people were at UWM who were in similar situations that I had,” said Vassilew. “It made me feel so much more comfortable and so much more at home.”
Community members can support Fostering Success students through financial contributions, item donations, or by reaching out to Latona to learn about current needs.
