Fostering Penguins Program

About the Program

Fostering Penguins Program – Supporting Foster-Connected Students at YSU

Fostering Penguins is Youngstown State University’s designated single point of contact for students with lived experience in foster care. The program serves as the university’s representation of the Ohio Reach initiative, working to ensure that foster-connected students are supported throughout their post-secondary journey.

Navigating higher education can be overwhelming, especially for students unfamiliar with institutional systems. Fostering Penguins aims to bridge the gap between these students and the university’s many departments, schools, and services—reducing anxiety and making the college experience more accessible and empowering.

Our goal is to support students in identifying and overcoming barriers that often arise in college—whether related to academics, finances, or personal well-being. By providing consistent guidance and advocacy, we aim to prevent students from feeling lost in complex processes or discouraged by tedious steps that can sometimes hinder progress.

Mission and Support

The Fostering Penguins Program is dedicated to helping foster-connected students transition into, through, and beyond college life. We provide holistic support focused on:

• Academic success
• Basic needs (such as food, housing, and financial support)
• Personal growth and development

Key Program Leadership and Support Network

• A network of Campus Liaison Champions across departments—including the Student Experience, Penguin Service Center, Dean of Students Office, and Academic Student Success Center—works collaboratively to ensure that students are efficiently and effectively connected to available resources.

Together, this team uses best practices in student advocacy and support to create a nurturing and inclusive environment for foster-connected students.

Core Values

Fostering Penguins aligns closely with the core values of the Division of Student Affairs and the broader mission of YSU. These values include:

• Belonging
• Civility
• Character
• Career Development
• Self-Accountability
• Service
• Identity
• Well-being

Our Vision

We believe that every foster-connected student deserves a positive and empowering college experience. By eliminating barriers and fostering a sense of connection and purpose, Fostering Penguins helps students not only stay the course but thrive at YSU and beyond.

Services

Fostering Penguins Program Overview

The Designated Campus Liaison plays a vital role in connecting students with resources across Youngstown State University (YSU) and the broader community. These connections include, but are not limited to, partnerships such as ETV (Education and Training Voucher) Funding and Bridges housing resources.

The Lead Liaison will manage and maintain a local resource guide and referral system, ensuring students have easy access to the services they need. This proactive approach supports students in navigating the often-complex steps of post-secondary education—minimizing anxiety and reducing feelings of intimidation.

Campus Resources

YSU offers a wide range of supportive services, including:

• Student Counseling Services
• Resch Academic Success Center
• Office of Career Exploration and Development
• Penguin Service Center

Students are encouraged to visit each website for full details on the support available.

Community-Building and Student Support

Fostering Penguins also focuses on creating meaningful connections and personal growth opportunities through:

• Social gatherings and group activities
• “Lunch & Learn” sessions
• Educational outings and volunteering
• Life skills workshops
• Peer and group study sessions
• One-on-one tutoring
• Financial wellness support

These activities are designed to promote emotional wellness, academic success, and a strong sense of belonging within the campus community.