Nationwide, more than 400,000 children live in foster care. Each year, an estimated 20,000 young people “age out” of the U.S. foster care system at 18 or 21 years old. Many of these young people carry the trauma of their past, have experienced gaps in their education, have limited work history and job skills, and weak personal and professional connections. They still need support and services.
Nationally less than 3% of young adults who age out of foster care go to college. ln a 2010 study by researchers at the University of Chicago, only 6 percent of former foster youths had earned a two- or four-year degree by age 24. The numbers of colleges creating programs to support current and foster youth are increasing. Support services of value to foster youth include:
- Scholarships
- Counseling
- Support Groups
- Tutoring
- Mentorship
- School Supplies
- Book Vouchers
- Campus Housing
- Linens
- Personal Hygiene Items
- Cleaning Products
- Employment Opportunities
- Holiday Meals and Events
- Community/Social Service Connections
Learn More:
- Independent Living in the 21st Century
- Why is 21 the Magic Cut-Off Age?
- Are You Willing to Give Them a Chance?
Get Involved:
Nicki Sanders is an experienced trainer, group facilitator, and program manager. She has packaged her Masters of Social Work degree and over 15 years of work experience into Packaged For Success, a training and professional development company. Packaged For Success provides career coaching to college students, entry-level job hunters, and experienced employees seeking a promotion. Packaged For Success also offers communication and productivity improvement training for employees and supervisors and provides consultation on building sustainable, impactful, socially responsible community programs.
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