Welcome to Higher Learning Solutions Foundation!

​Mission Statement

Higher Learning Solutions Foundation seeks to empower young adults to reach their full potential and achieve lifelong success by providing comprehensive development services in a diverse and caring environment. 
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Independent Living Program

​​The Independent Living Program at Higher Learning Solutions Foundation is seeking self-motivated youth who are ready to transform their lives in preparation for adulthood.  If you are looking for an opportunity to reach your full potential by attending a college or university, learning a trade in a technical or junior college, or joining the military, we are here to help you succeed. 
     Our ILP provides outreach services as well as residential programs for youth ages 17.5 - 21, transitioning out of foster care, to prepare them for independent living.  Youth are housed in single or double occupancy scattered-site furnished apartments in the  local community.  Higher Learning Solutions provides a supportive environment for the residents in our care, focusing on assisting them in all areas of their adult development.
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Residential Admissions Requirements

· Able to function in community with minimal supervision
· Capable of employment
· Willing and able to participate in all program activities
· No drug/alcohol use, violent behavior, criminal activity within past 6 months, not in psychiatric crisis.

​    Residents are required to perform 24 hours a week of active participation toward goals that promote self-sufficiency. This time must correspond with current goals set with the case manager. Some activities that count toward the 24-hour productivity requirement include employment, GED/high school/college classes, job searching, submitting housing applications, volunteering, and life skills classes.

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Target Population

· Outreach services for any youth in or transitioning out of foster care
· Youth most needy of services
· Preference given to youth in permanent foster care
· Emergency placements
· Natural disaster emergency placements (minimum of 3 months)

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​PROGRAM GOALS AND EXPECTED OUTCOMES
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     Higher Learning Solutions Foundation’s desire is to affect a positive influence in the lives of the youth who enter our program by providing support, encouragement, and guidance.  It is our sincere hope the youth who graduate from our program are equipped with the necessary tools to live independently and succeed in whatever it is they wish to accomplish.  Our definition of a successful transition includes maintaining stable and suitable housing, remaining free from illegal activity, participating in an educational/vocational program, community involvement, and mentoring from a “nurturing” adult.

Higher Learning Solutions Foundation hopes to accomplish the following goals in respect to the youth in our ILP:

• Youth will have obtained a high school diploma, GED and are pursuing a degree through a technical college or university or have joined the armed forces;  
• Youth are employed and/or volunteering or apprenticing and have gained significant employment experiences;
•  Youth have a permanent and affordable place to reside upon discharge from care;  
• Youth have a permanent connection with a minimum of one nurturing adult not connected with the social services system;
•  Youth are able to demonstrate personal responsibility, self-reliance, and independence;  
• Youth are not involved in criminal or risky behavior;
•  Youth have developed stable and positive peer relationships; and  
• Youth have an understanding of their rights and responsibilities as a U.S. citizen.

​Higher Learning Solutions Foundation would love for our former youth to come back and mentor other youth in the program.  This would speak volumes about both our impact and positive influence in the lives of the youth we serve! 

We will measure our success not by the number of youth who come through our doors, but by the number of youth who complete our program and reach back to mentor other foster youth.