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College Support Fund

The Blue Ribbon Project's College Support Fund provides grants and financial assistance to foster youth attending trade schools, community colleges, and four-year universities. While the state provides tuition assistance, there is very little support to purchase books, materials, and other student fees needed for academic success. The Blue Ribbon Project's College Support Fund works to support foster youth by assisting with these extra needs.

Your contribution will help us support foster youth pursue their academic goals and fight these statistics:

20% of foster youth attend college after high school compared to the 60% of the general population
Less than 3% of foster youth graduate from a 4 year university
High school dropout rates are 3 times higher for foster youth than other low-income children
Students in foster care are more likely to attend the lowest-performing schools.

If You Are Concerned About a Child

If you are concerned that a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect, please do not wait. You do not need proof - you only need reasonable concern. Reports made in good faith are protected by law.

If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
Maryland Child Protective Services Hotline: To report suspected abuse within Maryland, contact the Department of Social Services statewide hotline at 1-800-91Prevent (1-800-917-7383), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Outside of Maryland - Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: Call or text 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-CHILD), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for mental health crisis support.

AI chatbots are not a substitute for trained crisis professionals. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please use the resources above. Reporting abuse can protect a child. Remember, you do not need to be certain that abuse is occurring - if you have concerns, reach out. Trained professionals will assess the situation and take appropriate steps. If you are a survivor of childhood abuse and are struggling with its effects, support is available. Healing is possible, and you deserve to access it.