Because of You: They’re Writing a Different Story

Here’s a story worth celebrating, because for young people in foster care, graduation is about more than receiving a diploma.

It’s about beating the odds.

Children and teens in foster care face enormous barriers to educational success. Nationally, less than 60% of foster youth earn a high school diploma by age 19, compared to much higher rates among their peers.

Young people leaving foster care are also far more likely to experience homelessness, unemployment, or involvement with the criminal justice system as they transition into adulthood. More than one in five will experience homelessness after leaving care, and roughly one in four will have involvement with the criminal justice system within just a few years.

These statistics tell a hard truth:

Too often, foster youth are expected to navigate adulthood carrying trauma, instability, and responsibilities no young person should have to carry alone.

But statistics are not destiny – and young people are intelligent, capable, and inherently resilient… wanting to thrive, be independent, and feel (and share) joy.

We wanted to share just a few of the young people who are building futures full of possibility.

Angela graduated on time with mostly A’s and B’s. Intelligent and motivated, she’s considering her next chapter – whether that means enlisting in the Navy or pursuing a business degree.

Bri graduated on time with strong grades and an even stronger sense of creativity. Kind and artistic, she’s exploring apprenticeship opportunities as she pursues her dream of becoming a tattoo artist.

Zander is on track to graduate this year and is already thinking ahead. He’s in conversations with a recruiter for the National Guard while exploring options for higher education.

These milestones didn’t happen by accident.

They happened because caring adults showed up. Foster parents opened their homes. Caseworkers stayed committed. Communities invested in their futures.

And because of you.

Because when young people have stability, encouragement, and someone walking alongside them, hope grows.