College of St. Joseph

Monday, November 30th, College of St. Joseph hosted service providers and foster parents as well as prospective students from around Vermont for our first STEPS (Students Taking an Effective Path to Success) Open House event. More than 45 people attended sessions about the STEPS program, learned about the application process and admissions requirements, sat in on a class, had lunch in the dining hall, and hear from some our current students in the STEPS program.

The College of St. Joseph program for Vermont youth transitioning out of foster care began the Fall semester of 2008.  The STEPS Program  was made possible through a partnership with the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation and the Vermont Department of Children and Families.

CSJ provides a supportive campus environment for students in state custody (foster care) so that they can earn a college degree, develop work skills, experience counseling and guidance support, and become effective members of society upon leaving the college. Students planning to apply to the College of St. Joseph STEPS Program must meet the usual academic requirements, including taking the SAT or ACT and submitting scores as part of the application.

Extended financial aid is provided for the STEPS students and we have gained the support of several outside groups (The J. Warren and Lois McClure Foundation, Vermont Country Store, and the Vermont Community Foundation) in this important endeavor.