Empower and Thrive: Foster Resource Fair
A new collaboration between Minneapolis College and Foster Advocates strives to deliver annual programming for young adults and adults who have experienced out-of-home care or foster care. Included in this annual programming are outlets towards access and opportunity for post-secondary education and connections to supporting resources, creating empowering pathways for foster young adults and adults to achieve their goals.
Additionally, the partnership looks to provide further awareness of advocacy and support to young adults and adults in the Twin Cities who are immersed in Minnesota’s foster care system.
“A 2021 needs assessment recognized due to educational disruption, there is only a 43% graduation rate for Fosters and limited services to support their educational journey,” said Elena Leomi, Managing Director of Movement Building at Foster Advocates, who notes individuals experiencing homelessness have higher graduation rates than people in the foster system.
“Fosters deserve priority focus due to their important role in our community and the educational disruption they experience. I am excited about the leadership shown by Minneapolis College who supported the creation of the Empower & Thrive: Foster Resource Fair, supporting Fosters, welcoming them to their campus, and providing access to resources to support their success.”
The Empower and Thrive: Foster Resource Fair will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 from 5-7 p.m. at Minneapolis College.
Activities to support student success include:
- Minnesota State College and University Application and FAFSA Lab
- Led by TRIO’s Educational Opportunity Center
- 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Location: T.2901
- Resource Fair
- 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Location: T Plaza (First Floor of the Technical Building)
- Attendees will have direct opportunities to connect with community-based organizations, colleges and universities, and companies, supporting housing, transportation, communications, and health and wellness services.
- Attendees will receive an Empower and Thrive Resource Guide, which includes information to help navigate the Fair. By engaging with the resource tables, attending presentations, or participating in the FAFSA Lab, attendees can earn entries for raffle prizes, sponsored by Foster Advocates.
- Presentations and Panels
- Attendees will learn about how to connect to support and build relationships Foster Advocates College Ambassadors, staff, and partners
- Varying times
- T.1400
“Minneapolis College is ensuring Fosters are a priority population on campus and bringing forth bold ideas to meet their needs, ultimately providing pathways to the lives they strive to reach in the future,” said Sarah Blouin, Education Program Manager, Foster Advocates, who notes students appreciate the one-stop access to resources. “It’s one of the missing pieces to helping Fosters move forward. And even if someone isn’t able to stay at the Fair, the Resource Guide will serve as an important tool by providing information that can be used to navigate resources in the future.”
Minneapolis College Director of Admissions, Robert Piurowski, is appreciative of the outstanding support from Minneapolis College, the TRIO Educational Opportunity Center, Foster Advocates including the Foster leaders who helped plan the Fair, Greater Minneapolis United Way, and the Office of Higher Education for their support of this event. “Our hope is attendees will feel empowered to move forward by creating a path to talk about and achieve their goals,” said Piurowski. “Minneapolis College is committed to supporting Fosters, embracing their individual needs and taking advantage of our wrap-around services for student success. Working together, we can showcase the access they have for personal growth and to see colleges like Minneapolis College as a place to call home.”