Doctoral student guides foster youth in ACE program
By Laura Pohl, Contributing Writer
When doctoral student Meagan Sims got involved with the ACE Program at Governors State University (GovState), she brought an outlook that came from the heart—and her own childhood experiences as a foster child. The ACE Program stands for Youth In Transition—Achieving Completion with Excellence. Sims attended the fall kickoff event on campus.
“I feel that my ability to relate to youth in the ACE program and their experiences is great but it’s also part of my personal life as well,” Sims said. “Children who grow up without their parents often have a high level of independence and resilience."
“They also require a unique level of support, especially when it comes to their pursuit of higher education. Programs like ACE are an extension of a much needed village and I am honored to be a part of that.”
Sims has extensive experience in nonprofit work, including human services and mental health.
Today she works as a Child Welfare Specialist for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). She’s on track to complete her GovState doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership (INLD) and graduate in May 2025.
As a former foster child, a highlight of her career was serving as the manager of the Adolescent Girls Unit of Aunt Martha's Health and Wellness’ Interim Care Center. It was a rewarding personal experience for Sims because Aunt Martha's was the foster care agency that supported her family until she was adopted by her great-grandmother at age 11. She attributes her life success to “faith in God, for sure,” she said. “And my great-grandmother who raised me also believed in me because she knew I was going to be ‘somebody’ one day. She always spoke life into me which allowed me to become confident in myself and my abilities.”
After graduating from Englewood High School in Chicago, Sims served in the U.S. Army. “I vividly remember starting college at 19 while I was on active duty in the U.S. Army. It was a challenge for sure,” she said.
It's these memories and experiences that make her a qualified champion of young people who need guidance. This past fall she helped a young woman, who has faced some tough obstacles, become a college student. “I had the pleasure of seeing a young lady who is dear to me off to college,” said Sims. “Despite life’s obstacles, she has a chance for a better life, and being in the space to help is priceless. My reward for my work is being able to see ‘my kids’ do well in life and their success brings me joy.”
Sims prepared for her career by earning a master’s in non-profit management from Spertus College after receiving a bachelor’s in applied science from Wayland Baptist University. She became connected with GovState in 2016 while still working on her master’s degree. “I attended an info session but I admit I was initially intimidated,” she said. “The professor said one thing that stuck with me—It’s difficult but it’s not impossible.”
Sims became a mom while enrolled in the program and credits her professors with keeping her dreams alive. “I had no clue how I was going to raise my daughter, have a career and complete my courses for my doctorate but they extended so much grace,” she said. “Whatever life threw my way from 2018 until now, they have been there. They believed in me and pushed me to persevere.”
She credits her work with ACE in helping her obtain her current position with DCFS, and her doctorate will position her to eventually become an administrator. “I hope to further impact the lives of youth in foster care,” she said. “And hopefully I’ll be able to teach here at GovState so that I can give back to the university that has given so much to me.”