F.o.s.t.e.r independence foundation email format

FOSTER Independence Foundation is a 501c3 organization that provides scholarship and mentorship opportunities for college students experiencing homelessness, food insecurity and family estrangement. These students, typically referred to as "independent students", are not independent by choice. Their "independence" is a result of leaving a dangerous, unusual or harmful home life (such as abuse) and entering college at 17 or 18, without the resources they need to succeed. Independent students face a variety of obstacles to educational retention and success, such as but not limited to: lack of access to stable housing, food, resources (such as books, a computer, a car), emotional support and life guidance. Our scholarship and mentorship programs aim to reduce the financial and personal barriers to success, and to ensure that all students have access to safe and consistent housing. We also provide education to help Higher Education professionals develop trauma-informed resources and procedures for working with these students.