The General Assembly has approved a $1 million grant to Great Expectations, a program that helps youth who have experienced foster care gain access to higher education. With the help of the program, since 2008, more than 3,500 young people who have experienced foster care have enrolled in college.

Developed by the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education, Great Expectations provides participating students with college coaches (mentors), along with financial assistance for housing, child care and transportation, helping one of Virginia’s most vulnerable populations transition from foster care to successful independent living.Established in 2008, under the leadership of Glenn DuBois, outgoing chancellor of the Virginia Community College System, the program stems from a philanthropic challenge grant provided by the late Mark Fried and his wife, Barbara Fried, from Crozet, and is a national model for supporting students who have experienced foster care.

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