Bella Davidson was accepted to Sonoma State in 2020 to major in early childhood studies. Having spent most of her life in and out of the foster care system, Davidson qualified for Seawolf Scholars, a support program that helps SSU students impacted by the system achieve their academic and personal goals.
The program is growing, with 57 current students and 40 last year.
"I know it's a pretty small number of foster youth who attend a university. So having a program like this and knowing other youths out there who have gone through something similar to what I have is reassuring," Davidson said.
According to the National Foster Youth Institute, only 3% to 4% of former foster youths obtain a four-year college degree. A study by the California Coalition for Youth (CalYOUTH), a policy leader evaluating the impact of extended foster care, found that only 10% of foster youths who attended college attained a degree by the age of 23.
In contrast to these numbers, 27 students in SSU’s program (over half of last year’s participants) graduated from Sonoma State in 2023-24.
A Supportive and Dedicated Community
“We want people to know we are here, serving our students with a dedicated academic adviser, manager, and student assistants who have shared experiences. We are here to support the students,” said Shelly Gomez, EOP and Seawolf Scholars Manager.
Davidson is now one of the student assistants, along with Jazmin Lara and Julian Vargas. Stacie Rodriguez-Fitch is the Seawolf Scholars academic advisor.
Gomez said reliable support is paramount. Providing comprehensive support, including funding for year-round housing, access to mental health services, and financial literacy is crucial.
"We offer academic advising from a holistic perspective,” Gomez said. “Getting to know the students and understanding their situation and their story is vital for us to support them with what they need individually. We want to know what is important to them, which is key to helping them succeed in college and life."
Gomez said that students' needs are all different. There is no universal support for youths who have been in foster care, and building trust is a significant part of the process to help them succeed.
"We ask questions about transportation, systems of support, where they go on the holidays, and try to get as much information as we can to assess what resources will support them best," Gomez said.
"It's a community where students know they're genuinely cared for, heard, and encouraged to share their needs and feedback," Rodriguez-Fitch said.
Generous Support of Donors
Gomez said financial assistance, such as the Chafee Foster Youth Grant, is available for eligible students, but there are still monetary gaps that come with college life.
"We couldn't support our students in the same way without the incredible backing of our donors and the campus community," Rodriguez-Fitch said.
Funders who are dedicated to supporting foster youth and who understand the significant need have donated to everything from summer housing to school supplies.
SSU alumnus Davis Campbell created the Davis and Jan Campbell Student Support Fund, which is a major supporter of Seawolf Scholars.
“As I learned more about former foster care youth in college – their struggles and their strength – I became moved to help in whatever ways I could,” Campbell said.
The program also receives emergency funding every semester from John Burton Advocates for Youth, an advocate for the foster youth community, as well as yearly funding from the Power to Soar Foundation, which provides scholarships that assist with housing and tuition.
"Every little bit helps the residents. Our funders sometimes donate gift bags with towels, blankets, and little gifts during the holidays. We get to hand them out to our students, and it's just so amazing to be able to do that," Gomez said. “We are incredibly grateful for the support of our donors”
Making an Impact
Rodriguez-Fitch said the program works, as evidenced by how students are using the support to make positive changes in their studies and degree programs.
SSU Seawolf Scholar Candace Simmons is working with Chemistry Professor Steven Farmer researching plant related compounds for their potential application in medicines for dementia, Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, cancer, inflammation, and other conditions. HT Townes was accepted to the Oxford Consortium for Human Rights and will travel to England this spring to take part in their annual, international workshop.
"These students are driven, dedicated, and resilient – facing challenges head on with the support of our program, donors, their personal support networks, and our SSU community. Our students are out there making an impact," Rodriguez-Fitch said.
The Seawolf Scholar program, housed on the first floor of the University Library, is connected to the Center for Academic Access & Student Enrichment (CAASE) programs within the Division of Student Affairs. CAASE serves as a resource hub and "one-stop shop" for underrepresented and underserved students at Sonoma State University.
Davidson said the scholars appreciate the consistency and support of the program and the space itself. "Many of the students feel comfortable just sitting here doing their homework. We do a study buddies program every Tuesday and enjoy each other's company. It's fun," she said.
Numerous campus programs, including the Basic Needs Initiative, TRIO Student Support Services, the SSU Housing Program, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and Lobos Pantry, partner with the Seawolf Scholars team to support students.
"It's an ongoing conversation and consistent development with our campus partners," Gomez said.
If you would like to donate to the Seawolf Scholars Program, you can do so here.
If you know a student who could benefit from the program, please email Seawolf Scholars Manager Shelly Gomez at gomezs@sonoma.edu.
Krista Sherer - Strategic Communications Writer