Become a H.O.M.E. Scholar
Arcadia University’s H.O.M.E. Program (Housing, Opportunities, Mentorship, and Empowerment) is dedicated to fostering success for students who have experienced foster care and are entering college. The program is administered by dedicated professionals within the Student Engagement and Admissions departments, supported by a Graduate Assistant, university-affiliated mentors, and overseen by Campus Life leadership.
Through financial support, mentorship opportunities, and connections to key university resources, the program helps scholars navigate the transition to college life, build a supportive campus community, and work toward long-term academic and personal success.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify as a H.O.M.E. Scholar, students must meet the following criteria:
- Have experienced at least one day in foster care
- Be enrolled as a full-time first-year student
- Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA
- Maintain 12 credits or more per semester
- Maintain a job or internship at Arcadia University
How to Apply
Students interested in becoming H.O.M.E. Scholars must follow these steps:
- Be accepted to Arcadia University.
- Ensure the FAFSA is submitted and foster care background is disclosed.
- After admission, students will receive an email with the H.O.M.E. Scholars Program application.
- Submit a personal statement and any required supporting documents.
- Accept and participate in an interview with the program director if invited.
Supporting Foster Care Youth in Higher Education
Data from the U.S. Census and related sources highlight the challenges faced by foster care youth pursuing higher education:
- Approximately 400,000 youth in the United States are placed in foster care.
- 96% of foster care youth report wanting to attend college.
- Fewer than 5% of former foster care youth earn a bachelor’s degree.
Arcadia University’s H.O.M.E. program is committed to challenging these statistics by providing the resources, mentorship, and support necessary for foster care youth to earn a bachelor’s degree and build a successful future.
“Being in H.O.M.E. has made my college experience really supportive, providing a strong foundation for both my learning and personal growth.”
