This program focuses on the value of a college education as the best way to prepare for a career pathway and achieve independence. Great Expectations works with enrolled students to ensure their success in community college and beyond, connecting them to community resources, scholarship opportunities and other support. Students can pursue an associate degree, get workforce training and/or transfer to a four-year college—often for free!
What is the Great Expectations Program?
Great Expectations helps young adults - those who are or were recently affiliated with the Virginia Foster Care System - transition to college.
More than 500 children in the Virginia foster care system age out each year. Without social or family support, foster care children experience significant challenges living on their own. However, with access to education, foster care youth can find satisfying, well-paying jobs
Who is eligible for the Program?
- Individuals between the ages of 17-24 years old who are affiliated with the Virginia Foster Care System.
- Youth adopted from the Virginia Foster Care System at the age of 13.
- A special needs person adopted at the time he or she received their high school diploma or GED.
- Someone enrolled in and maintains at least half-time enrollment (with a minimum of six credits) in an eligible academic program of at least one academic year in length.
What services are available through the Program?
- Assistance with choosing an academic program
- Instruction and support throughout the financial aid process
- Assistance with accessing financial aid and scholarship opportunities
- Access to college support services
- Referrals to community resources
- A point person at the college to guide students through their academic journey
- Monitoring of academic progress
- Referrals for tutorial services