Whether you are a high school student who currently resides in a foster care setting or have in the past, or if you are someone who has aged out of the foster care system, Western Technical College wants to help you be successful as you transition into college.  

Our goal at Western is to proactively support students who are aging out of the foster care system and are interested in pursing further education. We have people and resources in place that help ensure a smooth transition from high school to college. Throughout your journey at Western, you’ll have access to countless people and programs who are here to help you succeed and prepare you for your chosen career.    

How Do I Get Connected to Western?

There are several ways to engage with Western staff who specialize in meeting the needs of youth who are aging out of the foster care system, or who have been in foster care in the past. You do what feels right for you!

1. Complete Western’s Student Resource Request form. On question #9 select: Foster youth/former foster youth services.
2. If you are still in high school, work with your school counselor to get connected to Western’s Admission Coach that attends your school. Schedule time to connect and learn about resources specifically for foster care youth. They can also complete the Student Resource Request form with you, to get a conversation started.
3. Call Workforce Resource at 715-619-2760 and ask to speak to an Independent Living Specialist. Their jobs are specifically designed to help foster youth navigate higher education and living on your own and your guidance counselors typically have worked with them in the past.
4. Call or email Western’s Counseling and Case Management department and tell them you’d like to hear more about the services to help current and former foster care youth. 

Helpful Links for Foster Youth Transitioning to College

• Things People Never Told Me - An excellent resource for foster youth created by foster youth. When you start living on your own from foster care, there are some things in life that people seem to forget to tell you about.
• Foster Care to College: Fostering Success for the Future - A resource library, focused on making higher education more accessible and successful for youth leaving the foster care system.