About Us

Rapid Response is a safety net program for college students with foster care experience that quickly addresses the challenges threatening a youth's ability to transition to and through college in pursuit of a career.

We partner with higher education institutions and government service providers as we address educational inequality in the foster care community. As an authorized partner, organizations can refer eligible students to Rapid Response for emergency funding that addresses basic needs such as technology to access college courses, educational expenses, utilities, grocery support, and more.

Visit the Partnering Agency page to become an Authorized Partner!

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Our
Collective
Impact

Together We Rise has partnered with private donors, college foster care support organizations, nonprofit partners, and government agencies to deliver over $8 million dollars in academic assistance directly to college students.

  • Rapid Response

    In 2021, over $110,000 in funding was distributed to bridging the technology gap college students in foster care face.

  • Family Fellowship
    58 Student Scholars
    90% Graduation Rate
    38% Go on to Pursue Doctorates
    100% Find Employment in their Fields
  • Shopping Sprees
    $16,000 Donates by Macy's for Foster Youth
  • American Industries Scholarship
    Up to $10,000 Awarded to Scholarship recipients pursuing vocational education

Learn More About Rapid Response

Prospective
Students

To qualify for Rapid Response funding, the student must be referred by an authorized referral partner.

Coming Soon
Partnering
Agencies

Apply to become a partner agency and learn how to refer students for basic needs assistance.

Apply Now
Partnering
Schools

Only 3% of foster youth graduate college— we need everyone's help. Check out some of the ways you can help.

Coming Soon

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Rapid Response Program?

A safety net program for college students with foster care experience that provides flexible resources to quickly address the challenges threatening the student's ability to transition to and through college.

What type of institution must a student be attending in order to qualify for support?

A student can be attending any form of post-secondary education which includes community college, 4-year universities, career & technical programs, or other career certification programs. TWR will evaluate payments to for-profit colleges and proceed accordingly.

How does the safety net program work?

Agencies must first apply to become an authorized referral agency. Approved agencies will then be able to submit a student referral to Together We Rise (TWR). TWR will assess the students needs and provide the resources necessary to address the students requests.

What are the eligibility requirements to access the program?

All of the following criteria must be met:

  • Individuals must be a current or former foster youth age 17 or older regardless of their length of time in care. (For eligibility purposes, foster care status includes kinship care, adoption, and probation youth with an order for out-of-home placement).
  • Individuals currently enrolled at a college or university regardless of credit attainment, GPA, or academic standing. High school and GED seniors may qualify for this program with limited funding.
  • The eligible student has an urgent need that, if not addressed, would prevent them from continuing with their college education.