Jacks Rising: Foster Care Student Support Program

Peer coaches assist with

• navigating campus resources,
• time management and study habits,
• and general peer support conversations.

Weekly designated study hours in a consistent, welcoming location. 

Includes:

• Quiet study time
• Peer coach availability
• Community-building environment

This system connects students to important resources for

• academic challenges,
• financial concerns (referrals),
• food or housing insecurity.
• mental health support,
• and general needs.

The process:

• Student submits a request.
• The request is reviewed within 24-48 hours.
• Students are connected to the appropriate resources.
• Follow-up is conducted and documented.

This system ensures timely, coordinated support and allows for tracking student needs and outcomes.

Required participation in at least 2 events/workshops

• Monthly engagement opportunities 
• Offer workshops and gatherings 
• Focus on connection and support 

Examples:

• Informal community meals 
• Life skills workshops 
• Career readiness sessions 
• Open discussion spaces 

Faculty, staff, and community members can participate as Allies by:

• Volunteering at events 
• Providing resources or opportunities 
• Supporting program initiatives 
• Event participation 
• Guest speaking 
• Resource support

Students can opt in for a mentor who is faculty/staff/community member. This is optional in case students have an appropriate support system already in place. 

Each student is paired with a mentor who provides:

• Monthly check-ins 
• Academic encouragement 
• Career and life guidance

This waiver is used to exempt you from tuition and fees at a state university or college for foster youth currently or formerly in the conservatorship of Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). You must enroll in a state-supported university or college before your 27th birthday.

1. Provides step-by-step guidance for accessing the Texas state tuition and fee waiver.
2. Steps to apply:
   1. Visit the DFPS website.
      *Please note that not all will qualify for this benefit.
   2. Navigate to the “Contact Us” section.

   3. Follow the instructions for either:

      Adopted Youth
      Foster Youth and Others

3. Instructions on how to submit the waiver to SFA through the MySFA portal.

This program allows current and former foster youth to make a smoother transition into adulthood by providing funding to those who qualify. This funding can be used for housing, utilities, food, living expenses, books, transportation needs, or related school supplies.

• DFPS ETV Program
• Texas ETV 

These scholarships are available specifically for foster youth or adoptees, including local and national opportunities.

• DFPS Scholarships
• Foster Angels Soaring Scholars
• Foster Love Scholarship Resources
• Umps Care All-Star College Scholarships

Off-campus food resources. Each one has their own qualifications and possibly require additional paperwork to receive food assistance.

• Nacogdoches HOPE
• Sacred Heart Catholic Church Food Pantry
• North Street Church of Christ Harvest House

• DFPS Healthcare Coverage for Former Foster Youth - Information about healthcare coverage for aged out youth from the foster care system.
• Eastside Community Clinic - Local resource for health services; also has a dental clinic.
• Burke - Provides mental health services and care based on income; also has emergency services.

• Brazos Transit District - Public transportation for the city of Nacogdoches. It only runs certain times during the day within certain routes.
• Wyatt's Transportation Services (FaceBook page) - Services are offered at various times and can help transport to other local areas outside of the city with a fee.
• Greyhound Bus - Services can be utilized for getting back to Dallas/Ft. Worth or Houston areas.

• Love INC - Love INC offers various services. They can help connect people with the right known resources in the community for what they need. They offer assistance with physical needs, such as furniture and other donations - in response to house fires, evictions, and natural disasters.
• Buckner Transitional Services - Buckner can help with job assistance, counseling, goal planning, and education goals. They are located in Lufkin, TX, about 30 minutes away from SFA.
• Family Pathways - Family Pathways program helps support single parents who are pursuing their education.
• Foster Love - They have scholarship opportunities. They also have a rapid response program that helps address challenges that former foster youth experience, such as rent, utility bills, groceries, and more. 
• Dream Makers - Youth can submit a dream that can help them be successful in college. Examples of dreams would be groceries, vehicle repairs, technology for school, utilities, and more.