Confucius wrote, ”If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.” This insightful quote underscores the mission of the Alternative Schools Network’s Fostering Learning Program, which after a decade in operation has provided 21^st century learning services to several thousand Illinois students to help ensure a fruitful future for them and the communities in which they live.

Program Overview: The Fostering Learning Program's (FLP) principle mission is to partner with DCFS agencies servicing Illinois youth-in-care to facilitate youth development through academic and social/emotional education. To achieve this mission, the Fostering Learning Program bridges the "digital divide" between the typical, advantaged high school student and youth-in-care of Illinois by providing fully-supported, structured access to cost effective, non-threatening virtual learning systems that empower at-risk students to achieve success (credit attainment/grade promotion/graduation) through self-paced learning tailored to the individual's need and skill level.