Education
ChildPromise’s higher education partnerships help foster children envision a brighter tomorrow through scholarships and support for the pursuit of higher education or a trade.
Our current education partners are detailed below.
If you have any questions or would like to apply to any of these programs, contact Christine Nardone Storch at (215) 517-2354 or email storchc@arcadia.edu
H.O.M.E. Scholars Program
PROFS – Providing Resources and Opportunities For Future Standouts
Lazers Fostering Success College Program
H.O.M.E. Scholars Program
The H.O.M.E. (Housing, Opportunities, Mentorship, Empowerment) Scholars Program at Arcadia University, located in Glenside, Pennsylvania, serves students with a history of foster care involvement across the United States. The mission of H.O.M.E. is to provide our scholars a stable, supportive, and encouraging community that empowers them to achieve personal growth, academic success, and long-term independence.
Specialized Program Elements
The H.O.M.E. Scholars Program supports scholars through four core elements that form the foundation of our holistic approach:
- Housing: Year-round housing throughout their time on campus, including during university breaks. This consistent access to safe housing helps to eliminate a significant barrier for students who do not have secure housing, helping to eliminate housing instability. Thus, H.O.M.E.’s year-round housing helps to maintain students’ mental wellness, employment, and fosters continued academic growth.
- Opportunities: H.O.M.E. empowers students to explore the world, connect with their communities, and reach their full academic potential. H.O.M.E. scholars receive support in pursuing study abroad opportunities, including assistance securing passports and finalizing study abroad plans. Beyond campus, H.O.M.E. scholars participate in inclusive and accessible enrichment experiences that encourage personal growth. On campus, a weekly study group provides a consistent space to devote time to academic work, while fostering support and accountability among their fellow scholars.
- Mentorship: H.O.M.E. pairs scholars with dedicated mentors who actively participate in events and provide ongoing support. Scholars have weekly one-on-one check-ins with a Student Success Coach and regular meetings with the program director, ensuring consistent and personalized guidance and support. Additionally, program liaisons work behind the scenes to advocate for student’s needs at the university level and engage directly with scholars to ensure their voices are heard.
- Empowerment: H.O.M.E. empowers scholars by encouraging self-awareness, advocacy, and personal responsibility through support in getting involved on campus, exploring their interests, and community-building activities that build confidence and independence. H.O.M.E. helps scholars align their academic goals with their passions and encourage active participation in on-campus opportunities.
Specialized Academic Programs and Areas of Excellence
Arcadia University is recognized for its specialized academic programs and areas of excellence, including nationally it’s nationally ranked Physical therapy and Physician Assistant programs. Arcadia is also nationally ranked for its study abroad opportunities, offering students enriching global experiences. With 26 athletics teams, the vibrant campus community thrives through competition and school spirit. To support student well-being and success, Arcadia provides resources such as a campus food pantry to combat food insecurity, Archie’s Apparel, a free professional clothing closet, and free counseling services for all undergraduate and graduate students.
Have Questions? Ready to Apply?
Click the button below to email Christine Nardone Storch to get started!
For more information on Arcadia University, visit arcadia.edu
PROVIDING RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUTURE STANDOUTS
Eligible students who attend Kutztown University have the opportunity to become active members of the PROFS program.
Goals & Core Values of the PROFS Program
GOALS:
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Challenge the stigma and often false perceptions surrounding foster care
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Promote a sense of community and belonging
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Facilitate the growth and learning of new skills
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Enrich the lives of students in need
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Provide resources and supports to a population that is underrepresented and underserved
CORE VALUES:
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Resilience
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Empathy
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Support
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Community
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Respect
Program Benefits
Benefits:
- Book Stipend, if you qualify
- Qualification:
- Financial Aid refund of $1300 or less
- Qualification:
- Up to a $500 Semesterly Stipend, if you qualify
- Qualification:
- GPA between a 2.0 – 2.99 AND in good conduct with the University will receive $250.00
- GPA between a 3.0 – 4.0 AND in good conduct with the University will receive $500.00
- Qualification:
- Free on-campus housing during the summer and winter breaks, if you qualify
- Qualification:
- MUST live on campus during the fall and spring semester AND take classes or have a job (at least 1 day a week) during the summer break.
- Qualification:
- Group activities (on & off campus)
- Mentorship
Have Questions? Ready to Apply?
Click the button below to email Christine Nardone Storch to get started!
For more information on Kutztown University, visit kutztown.edu
Lazers Fostering Success College Program (LFSCP)
Specialized Program Elements
The LFSCP offers a comprehensive program with several specialized elements focused on holistic student support.
Key Features:
- Transformative Experience: The program aims to empower, motivate, and support students, providing a holistic education that leads to viable career or university transfer options upon completion.
- Dedicated Support Team: Students are supported by the LFSCP team and other professionals on and off campus who are committed to their personal development and success.
- Mentorship and Navigation: Students are required to attend weekly mentor meetings and meet with the LFSCP Navigator once per month to ensure ongoing guidance and support.
- Community Building: The program fosters a sense of community and belonging through activities like mandatory monthly family meals.
- Academic and Financial Guidance:
- Students must maintain good academic standing with a 2.5 Cumulative GPA and take at least 12 credits per semester (unless permission is granted otherwise in their last semester).
- Students are required to meet with a financial aid advisor at the beginning and end of each semester and complete their FAFSA by May 1 annually, along with any required supporting financial aid documents.
- Students also meet with a Career and Transfer Specialist at least twice per semester.
- Visiting professors during office hours (or before/after class for in-person, or via email/Microsoft Teams for online) at least twice per semester is also a requirement.
- Campus Engagement: Participants are expected to attend at least one campus event per month (no less than four per semester).
- Stigma Challenge: One of the program’s goals is to challenge the stigma and misconceptions surrounding foster care, homelessness, and being an orphan.
Specialized Academic Programs or Areas of Excellence
Onondaga Community College offers a variety of academic programs and resources.
- Arts, Communication, Business & Entrepreneurship (ACBE)
- Health, Wellness & Human Services (HWHS)
- Liberal Arts & Sciences (LAS)
- Technology, Engineering & Computing (TEC)
Additionally, the college provides various Opportunity Programs that offer support for specific student populations, which could be considered areas of focused excellence in student support:
- Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP): Supports students pursuing STEM degrees.
- Educational Opportunity Program (EOP): Provides support and resources for first-generation and/or underrepresented students.
- Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP): Supports underrepresented students in STEM.
- TRiO/Student Support Services (SSS): Offers support for first-generation, low-income, and/or underrepresented students.
Have Questions? Ready to Apply?
Click the button below to email Christine Nardone Storch to get started!
For more information on Onondaga Community College, visit sunyocc.edu