Assistance for Foster Care and Under-Resourced Students

Thinking about college?  Bowling Green State University is committed to providing resources and services to all students seeking to obtain a higher education. There are numerous resources available to assist you with getting started and guiding your educational experience once you are here.

Getting Started:

Get connected!  BGSU offers various support services to help students begin the college process.

• Student Assistance & Advocacy Specialist (SAAS) The Student Assistance & Advocacy Specialist meets with students on an individual basis (as needed) to assist in finding off-campus social service resources, getting connected with on campus resources, planning ahead to identify housing needs, and navigating university procedures/offices. The SAAS serves as a bridge between students emancipating from foster care to BGSU and can help connect you with Counseling, Accessibility Services, and other supports on campus.
  • Appointments can be scheduled to meet with the Student Assistance & Advocacy Specialist and the Ohio Reach Campus Liaison by calling the Counseling Center at 419-372-2081.
• TRIO Programs are designed to motivate and assist students to enter and succeed in higher education. Those eligible for service are first generation college students, students showing financial need, or students with a registered disability.
  • For more information, visit TRIO Programs or call 419-372-2677.
• Office of Admissions is able to provide answers to all that BGSU has to offer and offer assistance with the application process.
  • Apply online
    
  • For more information email choosebgsu@bgsu.edu or call 419-372-2478
• Independent Falcon Network The Independent Falcon Network is a network for independent students, connecting them with individuals and resources that support and encourage academic success, self-reliance, and community.
  • For more information, visit the Independent Falcon Network Page or contact Cynthia Snodgrass, csnodgr@bgsu.edu.

Paying for College:

Finding ways to pay for college can be confusing and overwhelming.  The following services at BGSU can help to reduce some of the financial burden.  In addition to resources listed below, Student Financial Aid is always available to help answer questions (419-372-2651).

• Education and Training Voucher Program (ETV) provides financial assistance to eligible current and former foster youth to attend an accredited college, university, vocational or technical college.
  • Apply for ETV
• Student Support Services (SSS) Student Support Services in a learning community funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. We provide advising, individual tutoring, academic support in reading, writing and math, and financial resources, SSS is a part of the TRIO programs created to promote educational access for those students with academic need and who fall into one or several of the following categories: first generation, low income, students registered with Student Disabilities Services on campus, and students that have aged-out of the foster care system.
  • For details on how to apply, visit their website or call at 419-372-2677
• United Way 2-1-1 can help locate outside resources associated with going to college outside of tuition costs such as food pantries, utility assistance, rent assistance, etc.
  •  Just dial 211 or visit United Way
• The cost to attend BGSU can be determined through the online cost calculator to help better prepare financially for your education.