Empower and Thrive: Resource Fair
Minneapolis College is proud to partner with Foster Advocates to host Empower and Thrive, a foster resource fair created to support young adults and adults who have experienced out-of-home or foster care. Taking place on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the event reflects a shared commitment to access, stability, and opportunity—on campus and beyond.
Offered in two sessions (9–11 a.m. and 4–6 p.m.) to better meet the needs of students and community members, Empower and Thrive is designed to reduce barriers and connect attendees with practical, real-world support. The fair brings together higher education, community organizations, and service providers in one welcoming space, creating opportunities for connection, learning, and next steps.
Throughout the day, attendees can participate in a Minnesota State college application and FAFSA lab, led by TRIO’s Educational Opportunity Center. For many students, navigating financial aid and enrollment can feel overwhelming; this lab offers hands-on guidance and individualized support to help make the process clearer and more manageable.
The resource fair itself offers direct access to organizations and partners focused on essential needs, including housing, transportation, communication services, health and wellness, and education pathways. By engaging one-on-one with providers, attendees can build connections that extend beyond the event and into their daily lives.
In addition, presentations and panel discussions will feature Foster Advocates College Ambassadors, staff, and partners, offering insight into how to seek help, build supportive relationships, and navigate systems that can often feel complex or disconnected. These sessions center lived experience and peer support, reinforcing that no one has to navigate these challenges alone.
All attendees will receive an Empower and Thrive Resource Guide, designed to help them make the most of the fair and continue accessing support afterward. Participants can also earn raffle entries—sponsored by Foster Advocates—by visiting resource tables, attending sessions, or taking part in the FAFSA lab.
Empower and Thrive is more than an event; it’s part of an ongoing collaboration between Minneapolis College and Foster Advocates to deliver annual programming that centers dignity, access, and long-term success for individuals with foster care experience. By bringing resources together in one place, the fair helps ensure students and community members have the tools and connections they need to move forward with confidence.
Visit the College Calendar for more information about the event.