FSU invites students in Florida foster care system for campus tour

Nine Florida students in the foster care system became honorary Seminoles this spring.

As guests of Florida State University’s Day in the Life of a Scholar event, several high school juniors and seniors were invited to tour the Tallahassee campus.

The day was packed with college-centric activities, including shadowing a student, having a Q&A sessions with FSU’s scholars panel, and even eating lunch at the university’s historic dining venue, the Suwannee Room.

For Eckerd Kids staff, the day was an important reminder for their youth of the possibilities ahead.

“I think it inspired them to start really thinking ahead to their college years,” said Daniel Cook , Independent Living Specialist with Ecked Kids. “It definitely sparked some interest.  They were able to see how things can be different when you go to college. Plus, it can be a lot of fun. ”

Statistics show foster youth are far less likely to earn a degree than their non-foster care peers. Florida State University is committed to meeting the unique needs of ‘Unconquered’ students with their Unconquered Scholars Program.

During the trip, the teens were paired with FSU students and received first-hand experience attending a class that matched their study. For the first time, these youth were exposed to what a real class looks like at the university level.

The outing was such a success that Eckerd Kids was invited to bring another group of young students for a tour during the summer session.