Campus Support Program Service Use by Students Who Experienced Foster Care, Relative Care, or Homelessness

Abstract

Campus support programs (CSPs) in higher education institutions seek to address the barriers encountered by students who experienced foster care or homelessness (SEFC/H). This mixed methods study of a CSP at Florida State University examined the SEFC/H’s service use and students’ perceptions of the CSP to better understand student experiences. Study participants included 54 CSP students who graduated between 2015 and 2020. They completed surveys at graduation and six months and one year post-graduation. Students reported service use and perceptions of the services’ helpfulness. They described what they valued in the CSP and what the CSP could have done to better prepare them for life after graduation. Findings show a high level of service use and perceptions of helpfulness. Students reported valuing the support; resources; physical space; sense of belonging, community, family, and home; growth and motivation; and success because of their CSP involvement. Areas where students believed the CSP could better prepare them for life after graduation included finances, graduate school, career planning, life skills, and connections. Implications for CSP include assisting SEFC/H with (a) planning and life skills, (b) financial literacy and money, and (c) mentors and connections.