2026 Fostering College Connections Summit
Building Foster-Informed Institutions Across Minnesota
Join us for two days of learning and connection.
Two days, two separate registrations
Day one is a ticketed professional development training. Day two is the free statewide Summit. You are welcome at either day or both, and each one has its own registration form.
Fostering Success Coaching Institute Training
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
- Time9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- LocationEquaSpace, 3rd Floor, 2550 University Avenue West, Suite 300N, St. Paul, MN 55114
- Cost$150 per attendee
- CapacityLimited to 40 participants
Kick off the week with a six hour immersive professional development training led by the Fostering Success Coaching Institute, known as FSCI.
This interactive training equips higher education professionals with practical coaching strategies and evidence-informed approaches to better support students with foster care experience. Participants will deepen their understanding of student success, relationship based support, and strategies they can immediately apply within their institutions.
We encourage attendees to use professional development funds available through their institutions whenever possible. Limited financial assistance is available for attendees who may need additional support.
Registration for the FSCI training is separate from the Summit.
Fostering College Connections Summit
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
- Time8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
- LocationSaint Paul College, 235 Marshall Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55102
- CostFree to attend
- IncludedBreakfast, lunch, refreshments, and event materials
Continue the momentum at the Fostering College Connections Summit, led by Foster Advocates.
Spend the day learning alongside institutions from across Minnesota as we explore what is working, where challenges remain, and how we can continue building stronger systems of support for students with foster care experience.
The Summit is free to attend, but registration is required.
The purpose of the Summit
The purpose of the Fostering College Connections Summit is to bring together colleges, universities, community organizations, and Foster Leaders to strengthen statewide efforts supporting students with lived experience.
Participants will reflect on progress made across Minnesota, learn from successful institutional practices, identify opportunities for growth, and leave with practical ideas they can implement within their own institutions.
What you will experience
- ✓Statewide updates and emerging trends
- ✓Institutional success stories
- ✓Foster Leader perspectives
- ✓Interactive polling and discussion
- ✓Action planning
- ✓Networking with colleagues and community partners
- ✓Resource and partner tables
- ✓Practical tools to take back to campus
Focused Support Sessions
Move from understanding the work to strengthening how your institution responds.
During the second half of the Summit, attendees will take a deeper look at key areas of foster-informed practice. These focused sessions will offer practical strategies, examples, and opportunities to consider what stronger support could look like on your campus.
Attendees will have opportunities to explore multiple areas of support and carry what they learn into institutional action planning later in the day.
Summit day schedule
Wednesday, October 28. Times below are a working draft and will be confirmed with registered attendees before the Summit.
Save your seat
The FSCI Training and the Summit are separate events and require separate registration. You are welcome to register for one or both.
FSCI Training
Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at EquaSpace in St. Paul. $150 per attendee, limited to 40 participants.
Limited financial assistance is available. You can request it on the registration form.
Register for the FSCI Training
Registration is handled through Eventbrite. Ticket price is $150 plus Eventbrite processing fees. Questions, or need to pay by invoice, check, or purchase order? Email education@fosteradvocates.org.
Fostering College Connections Summit
Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM at Saint Paul College. Free to attend, and registration is required.
Breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and event materials are included.
Registration is handled through Eventbrite and the Summit ticket is free. Questions about access needs or group registration? Email education@fosteradvocates.org.
Travel, parking, and lodging
Complimentary parking
Complimentary parking is available for all registered attendees at both venues.
Detailed parking directions will be sent to registered attendees.
SpringHill Suites St. Paul Downtown
A discounted hotel room block is available at SpringHill Suites St. Paul Downtown. Hotel booking details will be shared with registered attendees.
Accommodations
We are committed to creating an accessible event. Attendees will have the opportunity to request accommodations during registration, including dietary needs and accessibility accommodations.
If something you need is not covered on the form, email education@fosteradvocates.org.
Frequently asked questions
Who should attend?+
The Fostering College Connections Summit is designed for higher education professionals, campus leaders, community organizations, state agency representatives, and others who support or are interested in improving outcomes for students with lived experience.
Do I need to register for the FSCI Training and the Summit separately?+
Yes. The Fostering Success Coaching Institute Training and the Fostering College Connections Summit are separate events and require separate registration.
Is there a cost to attend?+
FSCI Training on October 27: registration is $150 per attendee.
Fostering College Connections Summit on October 28: attendance is free, but registration is required.
Is financial assistance available for the FSCI Training?+
Yes. Limited financial assistance is available. During registration, attendees can indicate if they are requesting financial assistance. We also encourage attendees to use professional development funds available through their institution whenever possible.
Is parking available?+
Yes. Complimentary parking is available for all registered attendees.
What is included with my registration?+
Breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and event materials are included with your registration.
Is there a hotel block available?+
Yes. A discounted hotel room block will be available at SpringHill Suites St. Paul Downtown. Hotel booking details will be shared with registered attendees.
Will accommodations be available?+
Yes. We are committed to creating an accessible event. Attendees will have the opportunity to request accommodations during registration.
What if I need to cancel my registration?+
If your plans change, please contact us as soon as possible so we can update your registration and offer your spot to another attendee if needed.
Who can I contact if I have questions?+
Please contact the Foster Advocates team at education@fosteradvocates.org. We are happy to help.
Summit sponsors and partners
Sponsorship keeps the Summit day free for the institutions and Foster Leaders who need to be in the room.
Become a Summit sponsor
Sponsorship supports a free Summit day, Foster Leader compensation, meals, and travel support for participants coming from Greater Minnesota.
To request the sponsorship overview and tier details, email education@fosteradvocates.org.
Bring your campus into this work
Register, then tell a colleague. The more of your team in the room, the further the action plan travels once you get back.