About Us

Rapid Response is a safety net program for college students with foster care experience that quickly addresses the challenges threatening a youth's ability to transition to and through college in pursuit of a career.

We partner with higher education institutions and government service providers as we address educational inequality in the foster care community. As an authorized partner, organizations can refer eligible students to Rapid Response for emergency funding that addresses basic needs such as technology to access college courses, educational expenses, utilities, grocery support, and more.

Visit the Agency Page to learn more about becoming an approved partner!

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Our
Collective
Impact

Foster Love has partnered with private donors, college foster care support organizations and government agencies to deliver over $8 million dollars in academic assistance directly to college students.

  • Rapid Response

    Since 2020, over 2400+ students have been provided basic needs and emergency assistance through our program.

  • Family Fellowship
    58 Student Scholars
    90% Graduation Rate
    38% Go on to Pursue Doctorates
    100% Find Employment in their Fields
  • Shopping Sprees
    $16,000 Donates by Macy's for Foster Youth
  • American Industries Scholarship
    Up to $10,000 Awarded to Scholarship recipients pursuing vocational education

Learn More About Rapid Response

Student
Qualifications

To qualify for Rapid Response funding, the student must be referred by an authorized referral partner.

Coming Soon
Prospective
Partners

Apply to become a partner agency and learn how to refer students for basic needs assistance.

Apply Now
Support our
Academic Services

Only 3% of foster youth graduate college — we need everyone's help. Check out some of the ways you can assist

Donate

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Rapid Response Program?

A safety net program for college students with foster care experience that provides flexible resources to quickly address the challenges threatening the student's ability to transition to and through college.

What are the student eligibility requirements to access the program?

All of the following criteria must be met:

  • Student must be a current or former foster youth age 17 or older regardless of their length of time in care. (For eligibility purposes, foster care status includes kinship care, adoption, and probation youth with an order for out-of-home placement).
  • Student is currently enrolled at a college or university regardless of credit attainment, GPA, or academic standing. High school and GED seniors may qualify for this program with limited funding.
  • The eligible student has an urgent need that, if not addressed, would prevent them from continuing with their college education. The student must be referred by their college campus foster care liaison.
No exceptions will be made for individuals that do not meet the eligibility criteria. No age cap is placed on the student applicant. Students are not eligible to self-refer.

What types of expenses will the program pay for?

The program provides basic needs support including housing, meal assistance, educational technology, transportation, personal utilities, and other urgent needs related to the student's academic success.

How does the safety net program work?

Your program must first apply to become an authorized referral partner. Approved partners will then be able to refer students to Foster Love. We then assess the student's needs and provide the resources necessary to address the student's requests.

Additional FAQ

Click here to view additional FAQ questions.

Who can I contact if I have additional questions?

Please contact RR@togetherwerise.org or submit an inquiry through our Contact Us page. A Foster Love team member will promptly respond to each inquiry. Office hours are from Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm Pacific Standard Time.