Broadening Horizons while Empowering Youth!
The Pitt Horizon Scholars program is an initiative designed to provide comprehensive support to youth and young adults who have experienced the child welfare system, guiding them to and through their educational journey at Pitt.
This collaborative effort is led by the Educational Outreach Center and the Office of the Provost, in conjunction with the School of Public Health, School of Social Work, and Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.
This campus support program aims to tackle the distinctive challenges faced by Horizon Scholars that impede persistence, retention, and graduation.
Program Eligibility
- Be a Pennsylvania resident
- Be identified as a youth who has experienced foster care at age 16 or older or, after attaining 16 years of age, exited foster care to adoption or permanent legal custodianship (PLC)
- Be enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh, at least half time
- Demonstrate financial need for the PA Chafee Education and Training Grant (as determined by the postsecondary institution)
- File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)
- Read more about the PA Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program and additional eligibility requirements.
Partners & Resources
- PA Youth Advisory Board
- Allegheny County Office of Children, Youth and Families
- Action Housing MyPlace Youth Programs
- Foster Care to College (FC2C) Project – The Field Center for Children’s Policy, Practice & Research, University of Pennsylvania
- Auberle
- A Second Chance, Inc.
- Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Horizon Scholars Endowed Student Resource Fund
Help us to raise awareness of the Horizon Scholars by supporting the program in three ways.
- Sign up to be a mentor/support team member;
- Donate to the Horizon Scholars Student Resource Fund; or
- Spread the word!
The Opportunity Gap
This infographic from the Field Center for Children's Policy, Practice & Research conveys data and a call to action regarding higher education and youth with foster care experience. (Click image to enlarge.)