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EIU connects high school students in foster care with higher education

The Village Project at EIU's Summer Immersion Program builds confidence, bolsters opportunity

Charleston, IL (07/10/2025) — Eastern Illinois University will embark on a landmark new initiative this week designed to empower and inspire high school students in grades 10-12 who are currently in the foster care system.

The Village Project at EIU's Summer Immersion Program is a first-of-its-kind initiative in Illinois created to provide a supportive, comprehensive, and enriching college immersion experience at zero cost to the students who have enrolled to participate. According to resource materials, The Village Project "is not your typical summer camp"-instead, it empowers youth in foster care to advocate for themselves and their future opportunities.

"Our goal is to introduce these students to the possibilities of higher education, equip them with critical life and academic skills, and foster a sense of belonging within the Eastern Illinois University environment," said EIU Executive Director of Belonging, Access, and Engagement John Blue. "By surrounding participants with a community of mentors, faculty, and peers, we can help them envision a future where college is more than a dream, but an achievable reality that connects them to their brightest futures."

Program leaders expect The Village Project to teach this year's 24 participants to:

  • understand and recognize the value of higher education
  • identify and map pathways to college and to understand key college success strategies
  • develop self-advocacy skills to increase confidence in pursuing a post-secondary education
  • explore and chart out corresponding academic and career pathways
  • build a network of support that bolsters college and career achievement.

Specific events will take place on EIU's Charleston, Illinois-based campus and throughout the Coles County community beginning Friday, June 27 through Sunday, June 29. Various educational and other hands-on learning sessions will focus on topics like communication and civil discourse, roommates and relationships, financial aid opportunities and financial literacy, college application procedures, campus tours, mock classroom experiences, time management techniques, career exploration, and an assortment of other college engagement and social activities.

The Village Project at EIU's Summer Immersion Program is made possible by funding from the Illinois Board of Higher Education's End Student Housing Insecurity Grant.

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