Foster Care Academy
Overview
Turning 18 for your typical American means newfound independence. Whether it’s going off to college or starting your first job, most young adults eagerly await this milestone birthdays. But for more than 20,000 young adults in this country, turning 18 is not a celebratory event. In Texas foster care young adults “age out” of the system at 18. The gaps in learning and social development may create unique challenges for the foster care alumni such as feeling isolated, unprepared, or out of place. And that is why Houston Community College has developed a program that is specifically tailored to helping foster care adults.
Tuition and fees waived
You may be eligible to have tuition and fees waived at Texas colleges if you were in foster care, were adopted from DFPS or a court gave someone who is not your parent custody, or you return to the legal responsibility of a parent. This tuition and fee waiver is good for life, but it must be activated (college enrollment) before your 25th birthday.
Foster Care Academy Options
Current Foster Care Adults
For current foster care adults, Houston Community College can assist with your educational needs. One of the secrets to postsecondary educational success is having a healthy and stable support system that provides practical and/or emotional support.
The instructional services provided by the Adult Education & Literacy Program are in alignment with and relevant to HCC’s mission and provide access to post-secondary education and employment opportunities that are essential to our clients’ success.
Former Foster Care Adults
Every year more than 200 foster youth will leave the state funded foster care system in the Houston area and attempt to navigate adulthood with little in the way of support or the skills needed to transition successfully.
For former foster care adults Houston Community College can assist with your educational needs. One of the secrets to postsecondary educational success is having a healthy and stable support system that provides practical and/or emotional support.
The instructional services provided by the Adult Education & Literacy Program are in alignment with and relevant to HCC’s mission and provide access to post-secondary education and employment opportunities that are essential to our clients’ success.
How Does Foster Care Academy Work?
The Adult Education & Literacy program offers Foster Care Academies. These academies allow students to attend college without a TSI test and earn a Level 1 certificate.
Each certificate program is between 6 months and two years long, and the classes are all credit courses with a combination of workforce preparation and an added support course throughout the program.
When you sign up for a Level 1 college certificate using financial aid or self-financing, we support you until graduation. We provide academic and advising support with our Career Navigator and textbooks to borrow throughout your Academy program.
What is the Eligibility for Foster Care Academy?
Foster Care Academy is for any student that meets the testing criteria.
Students need to show that they can pass a college level class with some support.
Additional Resources
Foster Care Academy Academic ProgramsContact Us
Adult Education
Send us an Email:
ESL & HSE - hcc.aelinstruction@hccs.edu
Career4U - hcc.wctp@hccs.edu
Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.