Liberty University’s Office of Opportunity & Enrichment (OE) works with Abba Scholars, a program that offers support to students under the foster care system so that they can pursue higher education.
The program offers different services for students, including mentorship, academic support and leadership development. The program also provides students access to workshops such as Financial Literacy and Career Services.
Former Dean of the School of Behavioral Sciences Kenyon Knapp brought Abba Scholars into OE, with goals to expand its support for future student applications for the program.
Assistant Director for Enrichment Services Vanessa Johnson shared her hopes for the future of the program.
“Abba Scholars is committed to providing students with foster care experience a community of care, connection, accountability and resource navigation, empowering each scholar to persist, thrive and graduate with purpose,” Johnson said.
According to Johnson, OE has built a strong support system around three other programs, One Spirit, SPARK and First Champion.
“We do team checks: they come in and talk to us, and it’s not just a checklist,” Johnson said. “We’re checking on them socially, mentally (and) academically.”
Abba Scholars partnered with LU ONE, the Career Center, the CARE Team and the School of Business to help foster students aim for success in their education and reach their goals. Showing up to events that are tied to OE can help support members of Abba Scholars.
“There is intentionality behind everything we do. Our goal is not simply to provide services, but to create a community where students feel cared for, connected and supported. We want Abba Scholars to reflect the Father’s love by demonstrating compassion, encouragement and genuine care for every scholar we serve,” Johnson said.
For more information about the Abba Scholars program visit https://www.vaprojectlife.org/liberty-universitys-abba-scholars-program/.
Gonatice is a news reporter for The Liberty Champion.