Development of a Pre-college Program for Foster Youth: Opportunities and Challenges of Program Implementation

The research on the challenges experienced by youth transitioning from foster care to college has expanded exponentially over the last 10 years. More recently, the growth of college programs to serve this population has also received attention in the literature. However, there is a dearth of literature specifically on pre-college programs that prepare youth for college. Using a case study approach, this article will review a pre-college summer program designed specifically for youth transitioning from foster care, the National Social Work Enrichment Program (NSEP). Key program components will be reviewed, along with opportunities and challenges of program implementation that may be considered by others who formulate similar programs.