Rating:

5.0 (1 vote)

MISSOULA- The memory of the inability to pay a $200 dorm deposit has prompted Watson Children's Shelter Fran Albrecht to start thinking about a way to help former residents who wished to pursue their dream of higher education.

Aware that scholarships exist for children in foster care, the need remains for those "incidentals" that present financial barriers often difficult to overcome.

"Though I always worked in college, my parents were always there to help me with things like books, activity deposits, equipment rental or a bike to ride to work. Unfortunately, children who transition out of foster care can be left with no one to help with items that can add up and make the higher education burden overwhelming," Albrecht said in a news release.

She told the Barksdale Family Foundation about her idea, and the Watson Children's Shelter Educational Support Fund was born in December 2011 with their donor restricted gift, allowing former shelter residents who have graduated from high school or received a GED to apply for funds to help them achieve their educational goals.

The request can range from $25 to $500 per semester but Albrecht hopes the fund will grow, allowing for larger requests.

"We have invested in these children at an early age during a time when abuse, neglect or family crisis brought them through our door. We want to see every child succeed despite a less than ideal childhood. It is incredibly rewarding to see these children mature and succeed. What a gift to see this idea grow into reality," Albrecht said.

The application is available online.