Fostering Lions at Penn State Greater Allegheny is a dedicated initiative to support Penn State Greater Allegheny students with experience in foster care. Our goal is to provide comprehensive resources that empower these students to achieve their academic goals and successfully graduate from college.

Program Benefits

Fostering Lions offers tailored support including:

  • Individualized Support: Guidance from campus liaisons who understand the unique challenges faced by students with foster care experience.
  • Priority Consideration: For student employment, textbook loan assistance, emergency grants, and temporary housing assistance grants through the ACE office.
  • Financial Aid Assistance: Help with identifying financial aid opportunities and finding housing during breaks and over the summer.

Commitment to Success

At Penn State Greater Allegheny, we are committed to making a difference in the collegiate journey of foster youth. We provide access to educational advocates who meet students where they are and assist in navigating the complexities of the Penn State system. Our goal is to ensure these students have access to essential resources and champion their success throughout their college experience.

Who Qualifies?

Students qualify if they:

  • Check box 53 on the FAFSA indicating foster care experience, and complete a dependency review packet for independent status determination.
  • Self-identify as having significant experience in foster care, including kinship care arrangements.
  • Experienced foster care placement after age 13 or were discharged/adopted from foster care at 16.

Main Point of Contact

For more information or assistance, please contact: