Embark@UGA supports students facing housing insecurity
For college students who experience housing insecurity and/or foster care, navigating higher education can present some challenges. That’s where Embark@UGA comes in. Embark is a statewide network that seeks to increase college access and retention for homeless or foster care youth in all University System of Georgia or Technical College System of Georgia institutions.
At the University of Georgia, Embark@UGA is housed within the Division of Student Affairs in Student Care and Outreach (SCO) and is led by Dr. Carrie Smith, director of Student Care and Outreach, and Julia Buwick, Community of Care coordinator. Their mission is to ensure that all students, regardless of background, feel seen, supported and empowered to thrive.
“What Embark@UGA seeks to do and has been able to do for many students is let them know that no matter your life experience, you belong here, you can be successful here,” said Buwick. Embark@UGA supports students by providing case management services, financial resources, programs and events, and community building opportunities.
Shalycia Ammons, a rising third-year majoring in supply chain operations, is a student who knows this firsthand. Ammons is deeply involved on campus, serving as a resident assistant and taking part in the Resident Housing Association, Community Council and Guide Dawg Operations.
After aging out of the foster care system and arriving at UGA, Ammons turned to Student Care and Outreach for guidance. That connection introduced her to Embark@UGA, an initiative she now credits with helping her find stability and success.
“Anytime I have an issue, I know that there is somebody that I can reach out to,” she said.
Despite the robust resources available, both Ammons and Buwick agree that stigma remains one of the biggest barriers discouraging students from asking for help. Buwick emphasized the importance of open dialogue around topics like homelessness and foster care.
“We cannot reduce the stigma until we talk about it,” she said.
Ammons echoed that sentiment, encouraging others to seek help without shame.
“You can’t let other people’s views influence how you feel about yourself,” she says.
At its core, Embark@UGA aims to give students the freedom to imagine and pursue a future on their own terms.
Buwick said, “Our goal is to support students and remove barriers so they can continue to pursue their goals here at UGA, no matter what challenges they may have faced along the way.”
To find out more about Embark@UGA, visit Embark@UGA – Student Care & Outreach. For any student who is interested in learning more about Embark@UGA, please contact Student Care and Outreach.
