NY1 got an exclusive invite to meet students in the foster care system getting help attaining their college degrees.
Student ambassadors from the Dorm Project gave a tour of their living space to officials from the Administration for Children's Services.
The project is a part of the city's "Fostering College Success Program," an initiative offering academic, financial and housing support to students in the foster care system.
This past year, 40 foster students lived in the dorms at Queens College while attending various CUNY schools.
Given the stress that comes with college, officials say it is important for any student to have a support system.
"We wanted to make sure that the young people in this program will have the support to get through their four years of college, get their degrees then move on to whatever they chose for their career," said Commissioner David Hansell.
"I get to start over and have another chance of doing what I love to do best and interacting with other people and doing new things I never though were possible," said student Marcus Diego.
Officials with the Dorm Project say there is only a three percent college graduation rate for foster care students.
This upcoming school year, a total of one hundred foster students will be receiving free tuition and housing at CUNY colleges.