About Us
About the Fostering Laker Success Grant
Fostering Laker Success (FLS) is a dynamic grant-funded initiative dedicated to empowering program participants with a robust support system, both on and off campus, to ensure student's comprehensive success. Through FLS, Laker participants gain access to vital resources designed to enhance their academic achievement, professional growth, and essential life skill development.
Aligned with a statewide college and university initiatives, FLS actively contributes to the collective goal of increasing college graduation rates among youth with foster care backgrounds. Since its inception in 2017, Fostering Laker Success has been instrumental in providing unwavering support to foster care youth at Grand Valley State University (GVSU), thanks to a grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
In recognition of its impactful efforts, Fostering Laker Success was honored with another MDHHS grant in May 2022, reaffirming its commitment to fostering success and empowerment among GVSU's foster care community. For more information on the statewide endeavor to improve graduation rates for youth in foster care, visit the Fostering Success Michigan website.
About the Fostering Laker Success Staff
Brandy Thompson- Fostering Laker Success Grant Coordinator and Independent Living Skills Coach
Brandy (she/her) is a 2002 GVSU Alumni graduating with a BS in Biology. She also earned a MA in College Counseling from Western Michigan University.
For the past nine years she served as an Academic/Transfer Advisor for TRIO Student Support Services at Lake Michigan College working with first generation, low income and students with disabilities. Within her advising role, she had the opportunity to mentor foster care youth.
Office Address: 1201 Kirkhof Center
Phone: (616) 331-2748
Email: [email protected]
Schedule and appointment with Brandy
Our Mission
Fostering Laker Success is dedicated to attracting and retaining students with backgrounds in foster care and other out-of-home placements by offering comprehensive resources aimed at fostering their successful integration into and graduation from the GVSU community.
Our Framework
Fostering Laker Success leverages the proven efficacy of the Fostering Success Coach Modeling program, a well-established framework implemented across 16 diverse campuses. Through this program, we forge partnerships with students, offering them tailored guidance to navigate the complexities of college life, access essential health services, and prepare for a seamless transition post-graduation.
Drawing on the comprehensive Casey Family Programs Life Skills Assessment and the holistic "It’s My Life" domains, each student receives a personalized roadmap for success. By collaboratively crafting individualized plans, we empower students to set and achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals with precision and confidence.
Fostering Laker Success' Seven Life Domains
Fostering Laker Success coaching is anchored in seven key Life Domains:.
1. Basic Needs
2. Finances and Employment
3. Physical and Mental Health
4. Cultural and Personal Identity
5. GVSU Community Experiences and Supportive Relationships
6. Life Skills and Destination Planning
7. Education
“�I am truly grateful for the opportunities FLS has given me. Talking about life skills and getting hands-on experience on how it will look in the real world has prepared me on how to carry myself in trials and tribulations. Being able to talk about how I want my future to be and the tasks that I have to complete to get there has been very helpful too. I appreciate this program so much, and I am happy that I am able to be a part of it.�”
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FLS Program Participant
