ACE Program at GovState
The Achieving Completion with Excellence (ACE) Program, in partnership with the Youth in Care - College Advocate Program (Y-CAP), works to promote learning equity at the postsecondary level for youth who have experienced alternative care, including foster care, kinship care, fictive kin, adoption, guardianship, or residential care/out-of-home placement. Recognizing the unique challenges these students face, the ACE Program provides comprehensive support to help them succeed academically, personally, and professionally.
If you are interested in support through the ACE Program, we invite you to complete the Self-Referral Form so we can better understand your needs and learn how we can best support you.
Your information will be kept confidential and only used to connect you with the resources and support you request.
What the ACE Program Offers:
The ACE Program is dedicated to ensuring that students from alternative care backgrounds receive the necessary support to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, empowering them to successfully navigate college and beyond.
Academic Guidance
Provides mentoring and promotes to help students stay on track and meet their academic goals.
Engagement in Experiential Learning
Opportunities for hands-on learning and real world experiences to enhance education and career readiness.
Financial Security
Assistance with accessing scholarships, grants, and other financial resources to ease the burden of tuition and related costs.
Housing Support
Assisting students to ensure they have access to stable and secure housing options while pursuing their education.
Mentoring Opportunities
Opportunities to receive guidance and support from mentors who help foster personal and academic success.
On- and Off-Campus Activities
Events, workshops, and experiences that allow students to engage with the campus community and beyond, fostering personal growth and social connections.
Personal and Leadership Development
Programs designed to help students develop leadership skills and personal growth.
Social-Emotional Well-Being
Resources to support mental health, resilience, and personal well-being.
Student-led Programming
Opportunities for students to take on leadership roles and develop skills through organizing and participating in initiatives.
Resources for Youth in Care
- Youth in Care Bill of Rights
- Illinois State Board of Education
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)
- Financial Aid for Foster Youth in Illinois: DCFS Programs (Foster Progress)
- Education Resources for Youth in Care
- Housing and Cash Assistance for Current and Former Youth in Care
- Employment Incentive Program (EIP)
- Post-Secondary Education Program
- IllinoisJobLink.com
- DCFS Academic Internship, University Partnership and Shadow Program
- Daycare Information
- Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R)
- Education Resources for Youth in Care
- Promoting Independence and Self-Sufficiency
- Life Skills
- Find Your Future (FYF) Internship Program
- Services to LGBTQI+ Youth in Care
- YouthCare Health Plan
- Metropolitan Family Services: MOMs Plus
- Substance Abuse Services and Assistance