Foster Youth Program (PATH Scholars) Annual Report 2022-2023

I. Mission Statement

The Foster Youth Committee is dedicated to current/former foster and/or unaccompanied
homeless youth’s diverse higher educational needs. Acting as a liaison with campus and
community resources, we strive to enhance access to the California State University,
Chico community through collaborative efforts with PATH Scholars and community
partners. Our goal is to support the development of successful, proficient, and self-aware
individuals in their pursuit of graduation and beyond.

 II. Accomplishments 

• Submitted successful proposals and received funding from a variety of sources to continue supporting students with needs, such as textbooks, emergencies, graduation related costs, etc.

  ○ Whittier Foundation - $50,000

  ○ Student Learning Fee - $10,000

  ○ Board of Governor’s Award - $4,500

  ○ John Burton Advocates for Youth - $5,000

  ○ Women’s Philanthropic Council - $5,000
• $12 million was secured for all 23 CSU campus Foster Youth Programs; Chico State received a portion of those funds as general base funding to help students with student employment salaries, programming and expanding professional program staff. Most notably, this allowed us to create and implement a new PATH Scholars grant which is included in students financial aid award, to be utilized for housing, living costs and anything education related.
• Resumed our yearly “Lunch with President Hutchinson” after being on hold due to Covid. Students were able to spend time in conversation with the President and shared their challenges as college students, but more importantly, their successes.
• Resumed our yearly “Lunch with President Hutchinson” after being on hold due to Covid. Students were able to spend time in conversation with the President and shared their challenges as college students, but more importantly, their successes.
• PATH Scholars saw a significant increase in Distance Learners. For a variety of reasons, many campus programs are not available to these students. However, PATH Scholars services included virtual meetings, activities and mailing “Welcome Packages” to students in their hometown.
• Thanks to the Board of Governor’s Award, PATH Scholars was able to offer “Lunch at the PATH Scholars Center” two times per month each semester. This not only addresses food insecurity, but it also offers students the opportunity to come to the Center, socialize with their peers in a healthy environment and meet with program staff.
• Upgraded the PATH Scholars Center sign-in process (Advisor Go) to match sister programs, such as EOP. This will allow us to collect data on unduplicated students utilizing the Center and for which purpose, such as using the computer lab, study space and/or meet with program staff.
• Increased student employee team to four student staff (one MSW intern, two Peer Coaches and one Receptionist for the PATH Scholars Center). Student staff created the PATH Scholars Year in Review for the 22/23 academic year.

1. III. Diversity Efforts 

• Presented to several foster youth (from foster care agencies and schools throughout the state) in collaboration with Campus Special Tours.
• Continued regular events with campus partners (Butte College and Shasta College) to strengthen transfer pipeline.
• Continued regular events with campus partners (Butte College and Shasta College) to strengthen transfer pipeline.

IV. Program Statistics and Assessment for Past Year 

V. Program Objectives for 2022-2023

1. Resume one student gathering per academic year with President Gayle Hutchinson as achieved in previous years. Met – We accomplished this in April 2023 and were incredibly honored to be hosted by the Office of the President for lunch and conversation. Nine students participated, including one parenting student who brought her child with her.
2. Collaborate with Dream Center by providing at least one collective event to ensure smooth transition for our students in our new Dream Center/PATH Scholars Center layout.Met – The two programs partnered in a more collaborative manner than in the past. Student staff teams from both programs worked together and coordinated several activities over the year, such as Movie and Pizza nights and food during finals week.
3. Develop relationship with new Vice President of Student Affairs and Associate Vice President for Student Engagement and Retention Programs by sponsoring at least one intentional meet and greet event.Met – PATH Scholars staff had the pleasure of meeting with leadership during an EOSP staff meeting. There was time to highlight PATH Scholars and share more in-depth about our program and goals.

Vi. Key Objectives for Next Academic Year

• Revisit PATH Scholars Center space allocation that was put on pause for one year.
• Coordinate with AVP and EOSP Director to create a detailed budget for furnishing the new PATH Scholars Center location, once the space is allocated and planned move in date is determined.
• Onboard new Student Services Professional III to support PATH Scholars program and students.