The educational trajectory of foster care students in the United States is often delayed. However, there are foster care students who have been able to successfully navigate the educational pipeline and complete a college degree (Batsche et al., 2012). The purpose of this study was to explore the transition experiences of foster care students from high school to a four-year university and to identify contributors to their adaption into the college environment. This study challenges previously held beliefs by focusing on the actual rather than perceived contributors to their success while in college. Data from this study came from demographic questionnaires and 60-90-minute interviews with 11 qualified study participants. The study participants provided multifaceted responses about their transition experiences to the university. Findings and themes which emerged from the study focused on the experiences of transferring from a state college, being homeless, and identifying helpful support resources during their transition process. Study participants discussed the need for utilizing campus resources, developing transition strategies, and the importance of networking and engagement. The study results also provided insight into practices not considered helpful by foster care students. The discussion and implication section provide suggested resources for foster care programs and university administrators who support this population. Future research recommendations focused on self-development and program effectiveness followed by concluding thoughts. / A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education. / Spring Semester 2018. / April 25, 2018. / Includes bibliographical references. / Kathy Guthrie, Professor Directing Dissertation; Winston Roberts, University Representative; Tamara Bertrand Jones, Committee Member; Robert Schwartz, Committee Member.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_647247 |
| Contributors | Kenton, David Hopeton (author), Guthrie, Kathy L. (professor directing dissertation), Roberts, Winston (university representative), Schwartz, Robert A. (committee member), Florida State University (degree granting institution), College of Education (degree granting college), Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (degree granting departmentdgg) |
| Publisher | Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Language | English, English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text, text, doctoral thesis |
| Format | 1 online resource (162 pages), computer, application/pdf |
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