Date of Conferral

8-6-2025

Degree

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

School

Social Work

Advisor

Jonathan Scherch

Abstract

This capstone research project involved examining foster care alumni who successfully graduated from Master of Social Work (MSW) programs as full-time students. The purpose of this study was to address resilience factors and this population’s perceptions of barriers, resilience, and success in terms of completing full-time MSW programs and career outcomes. The resiliency theory and a strength-based-perspective were frameworks for this research. This basic qualitative research study involved using purposive sampling, and 11 foster care alumni were interviewed who graduated from full-time MSW graduate programs in the United States. Through thematic analysis, themes emerged were lack of economic resources impacting education, minimal familial and professional support, mental health challenges impacting education, perseverance to thrive, emotional support and advocacy, and life calling. Implications for positive social change include understanding how foster care alumni have been able to overcome their past and find success. This study also revealed the need for more financial and campus-based programming to help this population succeed in postsecondary education. This knowledge may help social workers, administrators, and children in the foster care system be prepared for better life outcomes in order to identify sources of support that serve this population best to complete graduate education.

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