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Foster resources

Programs that open real doors for young people in foster care.

The WHIT Program works alongside organizations that open real doors for young people in foster care. Here are the programs we currently partner with, grouped by where a student is in school. Dates and requirements change from year to year, so please contact each program directly to confirm details before applying. Click any flyer to open the full version.

1

For high school students

Shannon Youth Volunteer Program flyerView flyer

Shannon Health: Youth Volunteer Program

San Angelo, Texas · Ages 14 and up

Volunteers serve in Shannon’s clinics, information desks, women’s and children’s areas, emergency departments and South Hospital. Students earn volunteer service hours, explore healthcare careers, build leadership experience, and can earn professional references.

Apply: shannonhealth.com/giving/volunteers

Shannon Student Opportunities for Youth flyerDownload PDF

Shannon Health: shadowing and summer camps

San Angelo, Texas

Shannon Learner Shadowing Program (ages 16 and up)

Students observe healthcare professionals at work in a Shannon department.

  1. Email [email protected] to request an application.
  2. Get email approval from the department where you’d like to shadow.
  3. Complete HR clearance and receive your Shannon Learner badge.

Clearance requires immunization records (MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella, an up-to-date Tdap, a negative TB test within the last year, and a flu shot from October through March), a learner orientation, a copy of your photo ID, an ID-style photo and an information packet. The full list is on the flyer.

Career, Medical & Nursing Camps (ages 15 to 18)

Hands-on summer camps where students try out different healthcare roles. Registration opens each March, and camps are held in June. Email [email protected] to request an application, or call 325-747-5243 with questions.

2

For students starting college

TWU FAST Academy flyerDownload PDF

FAST Academy

Texas Woman’s University, Denton, Texas

A free summer residential bridge program for foster care alumni. Students live on campus, get a head start on college, and earn six hours of college credit. All costs are covered.

Who can apply:

  • Students who qualify for the Texas Foster Care or Adopted Tuition and Fee Waiver
  • Current high school seniors or recent graduates who are 18 by the start of the program

Applicants also apply to TWU through ApplyTexas and submit a meningitis vaccine record, high school transcript (partial is fine), TSI scores if they have them, and their tuition waiver.

Details and application: bit.ly/twufastacademy
Contact: Ronique Abouzar, TWU CARE · 940-898-2789 · [email protected]

3

For college students and graduates

CCAI Foster Youth Internship Program flyerDownload PDF

Foster Youth Internship Program®

Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI), Washington, D.C.

A competitive national internship for young adults who have been in foster care and are interested in policy and advocacy. Interns work in the offices of members of Congress and research and write a federal child welfare policy report.

Who can apply: current and former foster youth who are

  • College students with at least four semesters completed, or the vocational school equivalent
  • Graduate students
  • Recent graduates

Learn more: ccainstitute.org
Contact: [email protected] · 202-544-8500 ext. 12

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