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Fostering Black Bear Success

The Fostering Black Bear Success Program connects students from a foster care background with available and needed resources both on campus and in the community.

Identified participants can receive case-management services through the Points-of-Contact at Penn Highlands. Our staff can assist with all aspects of college enrollment, including but not limited to:

  • Application, financial aid assistance, and academic advising.
  • Obtaining verification of foster care status on or after age 16.
  • Assistance in accessing available Federal and State financial aid resources, and scholarship and grant opportunities including the Chafee Grant and the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program.
  • Serve as a liaison with community resources and offices.

What Financial Support is Available for Foster Youth?


Campus Resources

  • Food Share Program
  • Emergency Funds
  • Support services such as:
    • Advising
    • Tutoring
    • Counseling
    • ADA services and more

Community Resources

  • Emergency shelter contacts
  • Connection to County Assistance
  • Food Pantry contact and more
  • Eligibility

    To qualify for the Fostering Black Bear Success program, you must be an applying student or a currently enrolled student at Penn Highlands Community College, be between the ages of 16 and 25, and identify with one of the following statements:

    • Identified as a youth in foster care or a youth discharged from foster care at the age of 16 or older, or
    • Exited foster care at the age of 16 or older to adoption or permanent legal custodianship or Independent Living

To learn more about this program, please contact: