What is a foster care liason?
Research indicates that while more than 80% of youth in foster care express a desire to attend college, only 2-9% of them actually earn a bachelor’s degree. In response to this, the Texas Education Code was updated in 2015 to mandate the presence of liaisons at all public higher education institutions in Texas. These higher education foster care liaisons play a crucial role in connecting students with the support they need to successfully achieve their academic goals and complete their degrees.
Who is the foster care liaison at TVCC?
Melinda Berry, AVP of Student Advocacy is your liaison. Please call 903-675-6224 or email mlberry@tvcc.edu if you need anything at all.
More Resources for Former Foster Youth
The Tuition Exemption Program
To encourage foster youth currently or formerly under the conservatorship of the DFPS and those adopted from DFPS to pursue a higher education in Texas, this program provides eligible students free tuition at state-supported colleges or universities. Please visit these websites for more information!
Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Funds
For help with any of these programs, please contact Melinda Berry and she will guide you through the process!