For students who grow up in the foster care system, the path to a college degree is often stacked against them. Nationally, only 3% to 4% of foster care students earn a four-year degree, and just 2% to 6% complete a two-year degree. Onondaga Community College's new Lazer’s Fostering Success College Program (LFSCP) is working to change that narrative.
With the support of a $100,000 grant from Child Promise in Philadelphia, which is led by Nathaniel Williams, Ed.D., LSW, who himself is a former foster care student, the program launched in August 2025. The mission of the LFSCP is to provide a transformative experience that empowers, motivates, and supports students who have experienced foster care, homelessness, or been orphaned. The program supports the students' academic and social goals, leading to viable career or university transfer options upon completion. Providing them with academic incentives, degree plan navigation, mentorship, and funding for enrichment opportunities such as monthly "family meals," trips, and experiential learning.
One of LFSCP's first success stories is J-imani Ebanks. He is a 22-year-old native of New York City who started as an Education major, then switched to Communications Studies. Two months ago, he walked across the stage in the SRC Arena and received his associate degree. “The program gave me a support system. I had a mentor I was able to speak with every week. Whenever I needed help with something, there was always someone to help.”
That consistent support made all the difference. Through LFSCP, Ebanks was paired with two mentors and a navigator, meeting weekly to check in on academics, life challenges, and future planning. “We met every Wednesday at 10 o’clock,” he said with a smile. “It was the best way to wake me up in the morning!”
The program provided both academic assistance and reassurance that he wasn’t alone. “It felt amazing,” he said. “For so long, I felt like I was going to be one of the statistics that was not able to make it through college. I got the support I needed, and I was able to graduate.”
Growing up in foster care shaped Ebanks resilience and perspective. He spoke candidly about the challenges many foster youth face. “It’s not for the weak,” he said. “When I first went in, it wasn’t what I wanted to do. I just wanted to be back with my mom, but that’s not always the option for foster kids. You have to get used to it. At the end of the day, your foster parents just want to support you.”
Dr. Reginald T. Braggs, executive director of the LFSCP, recalls his first encounter with Ebanks when he introduced him to the program. “J-Imanie was shy and frankly skeptical about joining. After discussions with him and introductions to his mentors, Career and Transfer Specialist Dustin Smith, and Navigator Katie Komuda, he warmed up to the idea and joined. We could not be prouder of his academic success, social development, and of course his graduation from OCC with a degree in hand.”
Today, Ebanks is looking ahead. He's transferring to Le Moyne College where he will pursue a teaching degree, with the goal of becoming a history teacher. He also plans to stay connected to LFSCP as an alumnus to “pay it forward” and support new students who choose to join program.
