Ready, Set, College!

Support for foster and systems-impacted youth

Other

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Youth aging out of foster care without the love, support and stability of a family face uncertain futures. Thirty-six percent will experience homelessness within the first 18 months, and 25% will be incarcerated within two years. They are more likely than their non-foster peers to experience joblessness, early parenthood and substance abuse. Without intervention, their long-term economic outcomes are bleak, with most living below the poverty level. Studies show that former foster youth earn roughly half of their non-foster peers. These outcomes are largely attributable to educational disparities. While 84% of California's high school students graduate, only 56% of foster youth reach this milestone. Only 4% of foster youth obtain a bachelor's degree by age 26, compared to 50% of non-foster youth of the same age. Post-secondary education is attainable for foster youth, and many desire a college education or vocational training, but they need help navigating the academic world.

At FYI, we believe education is the key to breaking cycles of poverty, abuse and homelessness and unlocking doors to expanded economic opportunities. We engage the local community to provide the support and resources students need to succeed. Our "Ready, Set, College!" will equip 100 foster youth, age 16-29, to complete a post-secondary education. The objectives are:
Meet regularly with youth to gather information, assess needs, set goals and monitor progress.
Assign each youth a caring adult volunteer "Ally" to provide encouragement and moral support.
Help youth finish high school if they are still in progress.
Assist youth with college applications, enrollment and class registration.
Help youth complete and submit the FAFSA (Federal Student Aid), Chafee (CA grant for foster youth) and other financial aid and scholarship applications.
Help youth obtain proof of dependency letters to qualify for financial assistance specific to foster youth.
Assist youth with purchasing books and campus parking passes.
Assist youth with the process of transferring from community college to university.
Monitor financial aid and follow-up each semester to ensure students receive all funding for which they qualify.
Hold youth accountable to stay on track and meet their educational goals.
Assist youth with financial aid appeals if they have not demonstrated satisfactory academic progress.
Provide each student with a new backpack and school supplies before they start school in the fall.

Los Angeles County will have lower rates of income inequality as foster youth earn college degrees and achieve incomes comparable to their non-foster peers. The County will benefit from the contributions these young people bring to society as educators, nurses, social workers, and other essential professionals. Rates of homelessness will drop, and the cycle of foster care will be disrupted as these young adults go on to build healthy, thriving families.
While we are based in the Santa Clarita Valley, our reach extends to the Antelope and San Fernando Valleys and beyond. Our vision is to inspire and guide organizations in other communities to replicate our model, helping to change the lives of foster youth across the entire county.