Foster Care to College
There are a number of resources available to youth in foster care and former foster youth who are interested in pursuing a program of post-secondary education. Whether they want to pursue a technical or vocational certificate, a two-year degree, or a bachelor’s degree, there are financial resources and professional supports available.
Who can you contact for help?
For information about FCTC mentoring, seminars, or the Education and Training Voucher Program, contact:
Juliette Knight
FCTC and ETV Program Manager
DSHS Children’s Administration
1115 Washington St. SE, Box 45710
Olympia, Washington 98504
360/902-8474
For information about Independent Living and Transitional Living programs for foster youth and youth transitioning out of the foster care system, contact:
Rick Butt
Independent Living Program Manager
DSHS Children’s Administration
1115 Washington St. SE, Box 45710
Olympia, Washington 98504
206/923-4891
For information about resources for foster youth in the Washington State public school system, contact:
Ron Hertel
Program Supervisor, Readiness to learn
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Box 47200
Olympia, Washington 98504
360/725-6049
For tools and resources to help youth succeed in school and develop independent living skills, contact:
John Emerson
Senior Manager of Education
Casey Family Programs
1300 Dexter Avenue North, STE 300
Seattle, Washington 98109
206/282-7300
For information about college financial aid resources for foster youth, contact:
Betty Gebhardt
Senior Associate Director,
Higher Education Coordinating Board
Box 43430
Olympia, Washington 98504
360/753-7852
For information about the Governor’s Scholarship Program or Make it Happen! The College Experience summer program contact:
Mary Herrick
Foster Care Programs Manager
College Success Foundation
1605 NW Sammamish Rd. STE 100
Issaquah, Washington 98027
425/416-2022
For more information about educational advocacy or the Coaching to College model, contact:
Degale Cooper
Director of Programs
Treehouse
2100 24th Avenue S. #200
Seattle, WA 98144
206/267-5120