FY26 Renewal: Youth in Care - College Advocate Program (YCAP)

The Youth in Care - College Advocate Program (YCAP) is a pilot program designed to support young adults with lived experience in care to succeed in college. The program provider will develop, coordinate, and monitor the program, recruit and train peer advocates, and provide services such as on-campus advocacy, guidance, and support. The provider will also partner with community colleges and universities to increase understanding of the unique needs of youth with lived experience in foster care. Key services include: • On-campus advocacy for students with lived experience in foster care • Annual recruitment drives to introduce perspective participants to the program services and supports • Guidance in the development of a personalized success plan with each Y-CAP participant • Weekly check-ins with Y-CAP participants to support goal attainment, provide service referrals, and build a support network • Partnership with community programs and other state departments to obtain needed services for Y-CAP participants • Monthly campus events to build a sense of belonging and community for youth with lived experience in foster care The program has a budget of $268,388.00 and is expected to have one award. The application is for Year 2 or 3 of a multi-year award, and the submission timeline type is rolling.