CHampions Aspiring to Make Pathways to Success – CHAMPS (formally the Transition to Independence Program TIP-Wayne State), is an evidence-informed, college access and retention program for youth ages 18- 26 who have "aged out" of the child welfare system and/or juvenile justice system and are enrolled students at Wayne State University. The CHAMPS Program in the Wayne State University School of Social Work exists to increase college access and improve the graduation rates of youth with foster care and juvenile justice history in Southeast Michigan.

The Champions Aspiring to Make Pathways to Success Program (CHAMPS) has made a commitment to address many of the needs of those who are system-involved. In our pursuit to increase college access and improve the graduation rates of youth with foster care and juvenile justice history in Southeast Michigan, we engage in several strategic initiatives, including:

KidSpeak®, hosted by CHAMPS and Michigan's Children is an annual legislative forum that provides foster care youth the opportunity to testify before legislators, policymakers, and community leaders about their experiences in the child welfare system.

The R.E.A.D.Y. (Reclaiming Educational Achievement for Deserving Youth) Team of Wayne State is a coalition of university and community partners who utilize specific strategies to "reclaim the educational achievement" of boys and young men of color (BYMOC) who are interested in pursuing higher education. CHAMPS and R.E.A.D.Y. the have created a series of summer workshops targeted for young men of color ages 14-21.

Have additional questions regarding these programs? Contact Airika Buford, Communications and Outreach Coordinator, at 313-577-0433 or ar2584@wayne.edu.