FSU Expands Academic Opportunity For Students In Foster Care

A dual enrollment program at Fairmont State University (FSU) focused on helping students in foster care is expanding its reach. 

The Middle College program originally aimed to provide students in foster care with a high school diploma and an associate’s degree in two years, plus guaranteed admission to FSU for those seeking a four year degree—all before aging out of care.

At its launch in September just 18 students out of an original goal of 50 students were enrolled in the program. That first cohort was expected to live on campus. 

But now, teens aged 16 to 17 who live in the surrounding community with a foster family, guardian, or relative are now eligible to apply—without needing to relocate. 

“We know how important permanency is to youth with experience in care,” Emily Swain, dean of Middle College said. “This expansion will allow students to remain in a supportive environment while pursuing their educational goals. Expanding the program to meet these needs will open the doors for even more students to experience Middle College.” 

The Middle College is a collaboration between FSU, KVC West Virginia – a nonprofit child welfare organization, Marion County Schools and the West Virginia Schools of Diversion and Transition. 

More than 6,000 children are currently in foster care across West Virginia. According to a press release from Fairmont State, only half of all youth in foster care earn a high school diploma, and between 2% and 6% go on to complete a college education.

“Programs like Middle College reflect what it truly means to be a public university,” Mike Davis, president of FSU said. “We have a responsibility to lift up every student with the potential to succeed—and that includes students who may not have had the support or resources they deserve. When we give them access to education and opportunity, we don’t just change their lives—we strengthen our communities and our state.”