Middle Tennessee State University The Next Step Program

About this resource

Next Step Program at MTSU: Support for Students Transitioning from Foster Care or Facing Homelessness

The Next Step Program at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) was created in 2008 to support young people who are aging out of foster care and stepping into adulthood. Over time, the program also began helping students who are experiencing homelessness, at risk of becoming homeless, or are unaccompanied minors (on their own without a parent or guardian).

The goal of Next Step is simple:
Help students succeed in college and life by making sure their most important needs are met first—like food, housing, health care, and support.

Here’s what the program helps with:

• Connecting you to on-campus and community resources for basic needs

• Helping you understand and navigate college life

• Supporting you as you work toward your degree and long-term goals

At Next Step, the belief is clear: when students have the support they need, they thrive.

Who can use this resource (eligibility)?

We work with students that have aged out of foster care, experienced or at-risk of homelessness, and unaccompanied minors. These are students that although they experience the same struggles of adapting to college life, they may have the added stress of supporting themselves without the support and guidance of parents or family.