A pilot program at Texas A&M Corpus Christi is helping students in the foster care system graduate college.
According to statistics, in Texas only 1.5 percent of foster care students graduate with a bachelor’s degree, to change those numbers the university launched Island Harbor this summer.
“We expect to take students in every single semester, fall, spring, and summer,” says TAMUCC Foster Care Liaison Loren Watts.
The program is a partnership between the Texas A&M University System and the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Students admitted to the university are provided with year-round housing and meal plans.
“We purposely wanted to take the burden of them needing a part-time job off of their shoulders so they can focus on their academics,” says Watts.
Foster Care Liaison Loren Watts says they also provide students with mentors.
Organizers also plan on having a Christmas party for the students.
They are currently collecting gift cards, school supplies, or everyday items.
If you are interested in making the holidays special for the students you can e-mail Loren Watts at loren.watts@tamucc.edu or call her at 361-825-5263.
