When you were 18 years old, were you financially stable? Or did you have the support of caring adults to help you?

If you’re reading this right now, YOU are the caring adult for a youth in foster care who needs support. A foster youth transitioning to adulthood faces many challenges. Of those who graduate high school, only 20% will enroll in college, compared to 60% of non-fostered peers. 50% of foster youth will experience a time of homelessness after emancipation and less than 10% will graduate from college.

On this topic, it is also important to be aware that children of color enter the foster care system at an alarmingly disproportionate rate. These children face challenges and burdens other children simply do not. Change the cycle, change their lives!

This year, scholarship applicants have expressed a great concern for their educational success as they navigate the pandemic. Many of these youth work in food service and have lost their jobs for multiple months. Their fear is they will not be able to keep up with their bills AND go to school. Some have returned to work, others are looking for a job, but one thing that is consistent is that all of them need help, especially now.

Your gift helps foster youth cover school fees, books, student housing, utility bills, transportation, computers, software, household items like pots and pans, groceries, interview suit, new shoes, clothing, meal plans and other needs on the road to independence.

Provide the opportunity for a youth in need to change the trajectory of their future so they may lead a healthy, productive and independent life. Be the difference, bridge the gap and end the disadvantage.

Donate