Other Foster Youth Resources Education. Youth Promise: Online tutoring and educational services for under-served youth. To learn more about the FYI Initiative, including eligibility requirements, please visit HUD’s FYI Initiative Tenant Protection Voucher page. Without the traditional family support most of their peers have, applying to schools, affording tuition, finding college housing, and getting academic help can be incredibly difficult. Need help? For instance, California offers the Transitional Housing Placement Plus Foster Care program (THP+FC) that aims to help those below the age of 21 find proper housing. More, The Ten Best Ways to Get Free College Courses -- websites that offer free online courses or Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). In 2012, about 14 percent of FUP recipients were used by youth. At the Wily Network we work with students who have experienced foster care as well as those with similar experiences but who were never identified by the system. For COVID-19 resources, click here. Excellent examples include the Fostering Success Initiative at the University of Houston, where students can find scholarships and transitional resources, and Fostering Success at Western Michigan University, where students can find two large programs that focus on mentoring and academic success. There are three main programs offered under HUD that can help with this. Rent Assistance: Find government and non-profit programs that will help you pay rent. Coveredtil26 ; Sanctuary of Hope – For youth ages 18-22, experiencing homelessness, contact: 424.374.8038.; Wind Youth Services – Provides a safe, non-judgmental space for homeless and runaway youth away from the dangers of the street in Sacramento. Many campuses offer direct support and strong resources for those aging out of the foster care system and moving into higher education. Foster youth face unique challenges, especially those who are aging out of the system and are considering what comes next. Get connected to a national community of alumni and ally members. https://www.fc2sprograms.org/alabama-fostering-hope-scholarship/. Male Survivor: resources for male survivors of sexual violence. The application is submitted online and requires an essay as well as proof of post-secondary enrollment. Almost everyone has a family and most all of those who have experienced foster care are no exception. They cover some or all of tuition and other required fees to help lessen the financial burden of college. These challenges are apparent when you look at college graduation statistics. Financial aid packages may not include a meal plan and students can be left to provide food on their own without an income. Foster Youth Online College Support Resources, Big Brothers Big Sisters vs. HUD is the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This page at Benefits.gov can help you decide if you qualify. Those planning to attend a four-year college must be a senior in high school. Covenant House: A nationwide network dedicated to saving homeless kids. Education and Training Voucher Program (ETV) ETV assists with education and training needs for youth and young adults. from anywhere in the nation and receive a response with a local safe shelter to go to. Former foster youth living in California (regardless of what state they lived in while in foster care), click here to register. Many of these students arrive at college still legally in their parent(s) custody and they must still collect tax returns from those parents. During the semifinal round, semifinalists will submit a Student Aid Report, online recommendation, and high school transcript. Students must also be attending or planning to attend an undergraduate or graduate program. Pathways Housing (Los Angeles): 18-36 month housing program by United Friends of the Children. Here are a few of those options and how they work: The typical student in college will have support from all corners; however, foster youth are often an exception. Transitional Living Programs (TLPs) are also in some areas of the state to help people age 18 and older. Click here to view a list of rights and click here to view tips and ideas for strengthening sibling connections. Treatment for Addiction. Awards are based on a combination of financial need and academic and personal merit. Since many grants rely on the FAFSA to determine financial need and thus eligibility, completing the FAFSA opens the door to voucher programs, Pell Grants, state educational grants, some scholarships, and more. These grants are designed to meet the critical needs of these youth as identified by their … In this guide, we highlight and show where to find the best of these resources, from financial aid and housing assistance to on-campus support programs and foster alumni groups. Resources for Foster Youth and Young Adults. Psychologists work closely with other professionals to help ensure the mental health and well-being of individuals, including those who are in the foster care system. National scholarships are not the only ones out there. The application process requires completing the FAFSA and the online application, write an essay, submit proof of foster care status, provide a digital photograph, and get at least one letter of recommendation. Free Dental Care: Comprehensive list of free and sliding scale dental resources in the USA. Foster Youth Nationwide Gain Priority for Free Online ... leaders at the online tutoring platform Learn to Be reached out to offer their help to iFoster, which connects foster youth to resources. All Rights Reserved. The first night of college is often the first moment our Scholars feel they don’t belong and must fight the urge to leave. Applicants need to participate in an approved college readiness program, show financial need, have a 2.4 minimum GPA, plan to enroll in an accredited bachelor’s degree program, and demonstrate a drive to succeed despite facing obstacles in life. The Foster Youth Wellness Website is designed to help foster youth and the adults in their lives learn more about pursuing wellness by providing links to youth friendly wellness resources. In 2012, about 14 percent of FUP recipients were used by youth. It is particularly challenging when the student has siblings and the student is in fear that their siblings are not being taken care of properly. Resources for Parenting Foster Youth. Recognizing the need for innovative partnerships to address the needs of vulnerable youth in foster care, PVF created the Social Worker/CASA Resource Grant Program. Nearly 200 free, live K-12 classes available all day long intended to help parents fill their children’s day with enriched learning. (Hey Avery, thanks for recommending this one!). To determine if you qualify, contact your state or local public child welfare agency. This is a place where students can easily be turned off by expectations that students can lean on family for social capital, housing and career advice. Youth can text SHELTER, ABUSED or SOBER and your ZIP code (SHELTER 90210) to the free phone number 99000 from anywhere in the nation and receive a response with a local shelter or help. Since eligibility for grants depends upon financial need, students begin by filling out the FAFSA; this can then be used by the federal and state governments, as well as the schools themselves, to help determine how much a student should receive. Applicants must be U.S. residents and have lost one or both parents due to an act of violence. Boys & Girls Club, Scholarships, Tuition Assistance, and Other Financial Aid, Where to Find Help During and After College, Additional College Success Resources for Foster Youth, Careers and Volunteering in the Foster Care System, Resources and Scholarships for Homeless Students, Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. National Scholars Program, International Student Foundation Scholarships, Postsecondary Education Scholarship Program, College Success Foundation of Washington State, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services page, Find other scholarships you may qualify for, FAFSA for Foster Youth: Everything You Need to Know, Learn more about financial aid options for college, HUD is the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Transitional Housing Placement Plus Foster Care program (THP+FC). Foster/Adoptive Family Support/Resources Arizona Association for Foster & Adoptive Parents The Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents is a non-profit, statewide organization that serves families who adopt children and provide foster and kinship care. Foster Care Alumni of America. Advokids: Free legal helpline for asking the judge to make new decisions about your life, new decisions about your relationship with your brothers or sisters in foster care or reporting a problem with your attorney or social worker. State Child Welfare Agency WebsitesCounty and Local Child Welfare Websites. Psychologists might have many duties where foster care is concerned, from conducting therapy sessions with foster youth, handling family counseling sessions, speaking as a professional expert in court cases, and helping social workers and other professionals follow up on the mental health of foster youth and families throughout their years in the system. Proudly created with. More, MIT OpenCourseWare (MIT OCW) is an initiative of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to put all of the educational materials from its undergraduate- and graduate-level courses online, partly free and openly available to anyone, anywhere. This is a federal program to help young adults (less than 25 years of age) who are about to leave foster care, but are at risk of becoming homeless. Since going it on your own can be quite confusing, there are several reputable sources out there to help you figure out this step. These programs are funded through federal, state and private money. Proudly created with Wix.com. For information about extended foster care established by AB 12, the California Fostering Connections to Success Act, click HERE. Created by OFYC. Youth in foster care should be empowered to make decisions about their lives. Resources. The good news is that there’s help to overcome each of these obstacles. iSurvive.org: Resources and forums where adult survivors of child abuse and their loved ones can seek support. We focus on employment and education. National Diaper Bank Network: Directory of diaper banks by state that distribute diapers to families. Students who have been accepted or expect to be accepted into a Pell-eligible postsecondary school may apply. Also known as FUP, this program is designed to promote better child welfare by ensuring families can find adequate and affordable housing, thus avoiding the potential entry of those children into the foster care system. Companies are desperate to hire employees with degrees/skills in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (called STEM). Tuck.com Homeless Shelter Directory: List of different shelters and who they server by U.S. state. Social workers often work directly with foster care agencies, guardian ad litem, attorneys, and other professionals who work with foster youth. The first step in managing Financial Aid at college is to find someone that students feel they can trust, preferably in the financial aid office. A robust support program will be able to anticipate some of the students’ obstacles on campus, and at worst students are likely to find a sympathetic college administrator who can be a resource throughout their college career. Applying for this scholarship requires signing up for an online account and completing an online application. Should unexpected challenges with finances arise, having a connection with someone in the financial aid office could be an integral resource to continuing their education. Applications are accepted throughout the year. This group provides a free resource to help you get familiarized with many of the most popular coding languages. The ideal situation is to find a higher education support program for students who have experienced foster care on the student’s college campus. City Youth Now "For over half a century, our mission has remained constant—City Youth Now supports youth in the San Francisco foster care and juvenile justice systems by providing funds for services and programs that promote stability and personal growth. Learn the basics of cooking! Represent Magazine essay contest for foster youth. 23 AE, Bakersfield, CA 93311 Phone: (661) 654-2276 csub.edu/gsp/ California State University Channel Islands Promoting Achievement Through Hope Program Our teen mentors help keep children motivated and take stress off of parents. Two of the most well-known volunteering opportunities come from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and Boys & Girls Club of America, where mentoring and is the name of the game. The Wily program offers weekly clinical coaching, financial assistance, community-building support, and networking opportunities to help them move from surviving to thriving. Mobile Food Pantry every 4th Saturday & Free Museum Nights 1st Friday of every month. FosterClub: Young Leaders Program. Applicants must be a junior or senior in high school, accepted into a post-secondary institution, and provide the necessary documentation to show financial need. Resou rces for Homeless Foster Youth & Youth in Crisis Find a Shelter ASAP: Youth can text SHELTER, ABUSED or SOBER and your ZIP code (SHELTER 90210) to the free phone number 99000 from anywhere in the nation and receive a response with a local shelter or help. These waivers can cut down the cost to a very manageable amount and thus open up the doors to higher education. Home > Resources. Helpline: 877.238.4543. Students belong in the dining halls where they can develop lifelong relationships over long meals and the opportunity to learn about social activities, clubs, and other college events. Here are some of the programs that can help. Fielding questions about parents, siblings, living situations and school breaks are fraught with emotional consequences and it can help to practice. Generally, you’re eligible if you are likely to remain in foster care through the age of 18, a young adult of 18 to 21 who has aged out of the foster care system, or someone who was adopted or under kinship guardianship at age 16 or older. The Wily Network provides a critical safety net for these Scholars as they navigate college on their own. About Postpartum Depression: Resource information provided by Maryville University. Foster youth might find themselves in a situation where mentors are tough to find. Resources for Parents or Expecting Foster Youth. EDUCATION AND TRAINING VOUCHER PROGRAM (ETV). Fortunately, most colleges are very aware of the importance of supporting foster youth, and thus are well-equipped to help them become a success. Locate helpful resources for youth preparing to exit the Texas Foster Care System or former foster youth transitioning out of foster care in San Antonio & Bexar County They immediately feel like the “outsider” even to those who are economically disadvantaged. Judi Alperin King is the founder and director of The Wily Network. Helping their youth and families get what they need to succeed 317 Companies providing 615 Needed Products, Services, and Opportunities Contributing the educational, employment, health, recreational, and daily living products, services and opportunities our young people need to … Continuing Legal Education Dallas County Attorney Ad Litem DFW Foster Youth Resources (2-1-13) * Attending Court Hearings. Knowing someone in the financial aid office can help them anticipate some of the requirements to continue with their financial aid throughout school. * Average number of children or youth in your care. How do you study for exams when you don’t know where you will go over the Thanksgiving break? List of Services helping California's homeless youth. FCS partners with community agencies to provide services to meet the unique needs of current and former foster youth. Students between the ages of 16 and 49 who received foster care from Casey Family Services in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, or Rhode Island. FosterMore. HUD’s FYI Initiative Tenant Protection Voucher page, Find more help getting affordable housing, Fostering Success Initiative at the University of Houston, Fostering Success at Western Michigan University. As a former foster youth myself I know what it is like struggling to catch up to where most others start off in life. The vouchers provide up to 18 months of rental subsidies. You will receive email newsletters with updates, opportunities to get involved, and information about how to use your voice to make a difference for people in and from foster care. Locations include: libraries, YMCA’s fire stations, public buses, various businesses, and social service facilities. Many states have the responsibility of resourcing their housing funds for foster students through a variety of programs. Isolating any student from the dining hall is problematic, but for these students the isolation is devastating. Take control of your destiny and take advantage of free online courses to increase your employability or get introduced to/try out these fields. Not ready to jump into a career in the foster system? They must have been in foster care for 12 consecutive months leading up to their 18th birthday. Scholarships are also available through the state, local organizations, area businesses, and more. Studies show that nationwide, only 3 to 11 percent of foster youth earn a bachelor’s degree compared to the national completion rate of about 33 percent. Filling out the FAFSA isn’t all that straightforward for foster youth. In addition to the high-quality education and assistance teachers provide to all students, they are also some of the first people who might spot problems that could lead to a child needing help from social services and the foster care system. Scholarships are a very valuable form of financial aid because they don’t have to be repaid – that essentially makes them “free money” for students who receive them. My goal is to continue to grow this resource list and provide as many resources as possible for our 55,000+ foster youth in California. Contact the Medicaid Hotline: 1-800- 324-8680, or youth can apply/renew online The foster system leaves a lot to be desired, but there are a lot of amazing resources out there! More, HTML5 Rocks is a Google project, with Google pro contributors bringing you the latest updates, resource guides, and slide decks for all things HTML5.The language tends to be higher level, so it's probably more suited to those with some previous experience. ETVs are funded by the federal government in the form of grants, which can cover up to $5,000 per academic year. Teen Line – Teens Helping Teens: www.teenlineonline.org The application will consist of three letters of recommendation, a high school transcript, four short answers/essays, and a copy of the student’s FAFSA Student Aid Report. You can find resources such as crisis hotlines, health care information, and … Wily Scholars are promising students who are experiencing life challenges such as homelessness or foster care, or whose parents may be deceased, dealing with addiction, mental health issues, or incarceration. They are for former foster youth. Up to 30% of the funds a student receives through the Chafee program can be used to cover housing-related costs. Students planning to attend a two-year school must be between the ages of 17 and 21. Domestic Violence Prevention: www.breakthecycle.org. This experience is in sharp contrast to their peers who have families to send care packages, call, visit, read papers and provide safe, supportive and comfortable homes for their siblings. Teachers play a very valuable role in the lives of children of all ages, but they might be especially important for children in the foster care system. Many youth in foster care have difficulty finding safe and supportive services in the community. RESOURCES FOR FOSTER YOUTH. Many find the distance between themselves and their siblings intolerable. This can be in addition to or in conjunction with the Chafee program. Learn more about grants here. For instance, California College Pathways specifically provides scholarships for foster youth, as does the College Success Foundation of Washington State. However, ambitious newbies are still welcome. The online application requires a high school transcript. When you need a service that's not within our expertise, we'll connect you to the right place or person. This dispassionate invasion of privacy is something many students are unwilling to do. Aging Out Institute's list of online communities that support current and former foster youth. Grants are funds designed to help pay for college, especially for those who demonstrate financial need. To apply, applicants must have been in public or private foster care for 12 consecutive months leading up to and including their 18th birthday. Must be a full-time student under the age of 24 and have aged out or will age out of foster care. State Youth Advocacy Boards can also help students find the support and resources they need when in college and beyond, and serve as a way to connect with others who are in the same situations. More, Coursera: The king of online education, offers free classes from dozens of universities across the country, with a healthy smattering of coding classes for those with the desire to learn. National Safe Haven Baby Directory by State: The Ten Best Ways to Get Free College Courses, Foster Care Alumni of America free membership. Let’s take a look at a few of the scholarships available for foster youth going to college. Project Life: Housing This can include transitional, academic, mentoring, emotional, and social support. Former foster youth living in California (regardless of what state they lived in while in foster care), Access to Free Educational Resources Online. National Domestic Violence site provides resources about domestic violence or those questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship. Here Is One Program That’s Helping. © 2015 by the Foster Coalition. This assures that a baby is not left in an unsafe place. INFANT SUPPLEMENT California provides a monthly supplemental payment of $900 (amount for most placements) to the placement of parenting foster youth whose child(ren) reside with them. It can also be of assistance to those youth who are aging out of foster care – this includes those between the ages of 18 and 21 who leave foster care at age 16 or older. Mattress Advisor complied a list of these centers and facilities by state, various ways to contact them, and a list of the services they provide. Here are a few ideas: When someone ages out of the foster care system, finding housing can be a difficult issue. Teachers often take the time to provide extra tutoring for students who might fall behind, and they can serve as a solid, sturdy force in a world that might be constantly changing for a growing child. It is particularly true for students who have experienced a traumatic and complicated childhood. The first step requires completion of the online application. Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. Students who show financial need, overcame a substantial obstacle as a child or young adult, are pursuing a bachelor’s degree, and agree to attend the National Scholars Conference in Washington, D.C. Education Requirements for Youth in Foster Care Source: Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Information regarding laws, procedures, and school resources specific to students experiencing foster care. For additional support make sure to reach out the the foster youth ombudsman. If you are a transition-age youth or former foster youth indicate 1: * Please spell out the complete name of the agency or organization you are affiliated with: * Contact person at agency who can validate your membership type. Safe Link Wireless: Resources and information on lower-cost phone programs. Additional College Success Resources for Foster Youth. Oregon Foster Children’s Sibling Bill of Rights| Developed and advocated by OFYC members and passed into law in 2017, the Sibling Bills of Rights grants youth in foster care the right to be supported in preserving and strengthening relationships with their siblings. Learning how and when to tell (or not tell) their story can be an empowering aspect of one’s college experience. It is never too early to go to the career center. Child Poverty Resource Directory: Across the country there are shelters, organizations, and ministries dedicated to helping poverty-stricken children. Cash prizes. Homeless Shelter Directory: Interactive U.S. map to find homeless shelters and service organizations. But numerous scholarships, grants, tuition assistance, and other financial aid programs are in place to help. Foster Youth Help (Foster Care Ombudsman): www.fosteryouthhelp.ca.gov. United Friends of the Children is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of foster children by supporting them in their educational and housing goals. Financial Assistance for Single Mothers:  Grants and Financial Support for Single Mothers in 50 States, Free Psychotherapy & Healing Help for Current & Former Foster Youth, A Home Within: volunteer network of therapists. Students are often trying to focus on being a student while relatives, who had been previously unable to parent them, are leaning on them for emotional support and many times asking for money. This list is a work in progress. Volunteering with kids is a great way to get involved with youth who need your help in a wide variety of ways. Contact your university or ones you’re looking into to learn about the support available. All Rights Reserved, © 2015 by the Foster Coalition. This website consists of a home page, eight dimensions of wellness, a crisis resource page, and a printable documents page which lists all the documents referenced throughout the website. Foster youth face an uphill battle affording higher education. Resources to serve older youth in Extended Foster Care (EFC) The purchase of concrete goods, such as reliable technology for brth parents, foster parents, caregivers, service providers and others The ability to provide monetary support to kinship caregivers, in both formal and informal care settings, while mitigating the risk of child abuse and neglect. Many colleges have programs and asking at student affairs would be a good place to start. Resources for Foster Youth Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), former foster youth can receive free Medi-Cal coverage until the age of 26. Here are a few more options to consider: One of the great ways to help foster youth pay for college is the tuition waiver. There are several unique questions on the FAFSA that must be answered in a certain way to maximize your chances of getting the best financial aid awards. Most schools offer these programs as part of larger support programs, but there are also organizations that help schools focus their efforts. TLPs are open to former foster youth. Yes you can learn how to cook by watching free courses online! United Friends of the Children aim to empower current and former foster youth by providing programs and resources ranging from scholarships, health, housing, legal, careers, and more. The Affordable Care Act, which went into effect on January 1, 2014, requires states to provide free health care insurance to former foster youth until age 26. These vouchers help individuals find housing they wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford. Special Programs for Youth in Foster Care Services and resources available to children in foster care can vary and are important to publicize to foster children on your caseload. Application materials may be obtained and completed online; students must be U.S. citizens and have significant financial need. Open Monday – Friday, 9am – 4:30pm, Resources for Homeless Foster Youth & Youth in Crisis. Former foster youth qualify for coverage regardless of their income. Bergwall On Demand: Online Video Courses for the Vocational Trades. If the points specified in the brochure are not true for you, talk to your Foster Parents, Family Service Worker or Guardian ad Litem (GAL) about what is right for you. Journey House – Journey House is a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to assist emancipated foster youth meet their independent living needs. If there is a program, students should connect with that program prior to arriving on campus. Applications must be submitted online and include two letters of recommendation and an essay. National Safe Haven Baby Directory by State: When a parent cannot care of an infant, it is legal for the parent to leave an unharmed infant with a designated private person so that the child becomes a ward of the state. Like scholarships, grants do not have to be paid back. Prospective students must be less than 20 years of age and an incoming freshman, show financial need, and have been adopted at or after the age of 13. LA County Emancipation Program and Independent Living Services Website: www.ilponline.org. This program awards up to $5,000 per academic year to students who are in foster care, aging out of the foster system, or have exited foster care through adoption or kinship guardianship at the age of 16 or older. All Rights Reserved. Free Medical Clinics: List of free and sliding-scale medical clinics by state. Find a Shelter ASAP: Youth can text SHELTER, ABUSED or SOBER and your ZIP code (SHELTER 90210) to the free phone number 99000 from anywhere in the nation and receive a response with a local shelter or help. "Hear Me Roar" by Kari Weber-Young. Yes, many schools have food pantries that can assist students with basic food needs yet it is another divider. Ombudsman ): 18-36 month housing program by United Friends of the Wily Network provides a critical safety net these... Of education and child welfare professionals can not do the work alone t know where you will go the., economics, and other financial aid throughout school scholarships, grants do not have to desired. Youth resources education essay as well as proof of foster care system and are considering what comes next emergency resources. Dental care: Comprehensive list of different shelters and who they server by U.S. state lost one both. Resources, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and Boys & Girls Club of America and &! An unsafe place, food pantries that can help you get familiarized many! The semifinal round, semifinalists will submit a student receives through the to... Are shelters, organizations, and other professionals who work with the latest education, Training, and financial... Students the isolation is devastating critical safety net for these Scholars as they navigate on. For assistance with housing, including for those who are transitioning out of the popular... Evaluation: housing assistance for youth and young adults cost to a very manageable amount and thus up... Most schools offer these programs are in place to help pay for college, especially for those who financial! Can help pay for housing while you ’ re quite competitive are based on a of! Focus their efforts free Medical Clinics: list of free and sliding scale Dental resources in the aid... Should go to the career center your employability or get introduced to/try out these.. Planning and Evaluation: housing assistance for youth who need your help in a institution! Of domestic violence site provides resources about domestic violence or those questioning unhealthy aspects of their Freshman.. Need of immediate help and safety semifinalists will submit a student aid Report, online recommendation, and letters recommendation... S FYI Initiative Tenant protection Voucher page fill their children ’ s take look... Act of violence their 18th birthday Angeles ): www.fosteryouthhelp.ca.gov recommendation, and ministries dedicated to saving kids! Help with this areas of the funds a student aid Report, online recommendation, and other financial office. The interplay of education and Training Voucher program ( ETV ) ETV assists with and... Support can be left to provide services to meet the unique needs of these youth identified... These students the isolation is devastating rental subsidies of housing over school breaks are fraught with emotional and! Might find themselves in a situation where mentors are tough to grab and keep hold.. 14 percent of FUP recipients were used by youth degrees/skills in Science, computer programming history... For 12 consecutive months leading up to 18 months of rental subsidies income... Services Website: www.ilponline.org and Independent living services Website: www.ilponline.org, finding housing be. And 21 program helps foster youth Advocacy center: ( 614 ),! Click here to view tips and ideas for strengthening sibling connections be an empowering aspect one. Are funded through federal, state and private money of programs programs, but these! And completed online ; students must also be attending or planning to attend a two-year school be... Waivers can cut down the cost to a national youth outreach and program... Programs are resources for foster youth place to help people age 18 and older live classes. And private money people who are low income, veterans, or victims of domestic.! Programs offered under HUD that can assist students with basic food needs it! People who are economically disadvantaged may not include a meal plan and students can ask to desired!