about

MAPS is a resource website for students with lived experience in foster care who have an interest in applying to graduate school. The site provides general information about graduate school and advanced degrees as well as specific information about how to decide on what degree to pursue, what kind of tests may be needed, and how to ask for recommendations. The site also makes available sample application materials including resumes and essays. 

The information presented on the MAPS website is based on over ten years of experience helping prospective students with their graduate applications. This work was accomplished through the GPP (Guardian Professions Program) at UC Davis and the nonprofit MAPS (Mentoring for Academic and Professional Success). With comprehensive mentoring and assistance, the GPP and MAPS helped 137 young adults make their goals a reality as they pursued professional careers as lawyers, counselors, teachers, social workers, professors, public health professionals and doctors. Collectively, the students received approximately $4 million dollars in funding for their education.  

In 2024, the Los Angeles based nonprofit RTS (Ready to Succeed) took over the services MAPS developed and provided: workshop presentations and individual coaching and mentoring. MAPS will continue to manage this website.