For young people in foster care, the path to higher education can be challenging. They may have faced instability and adversity, which could impact their academic journey. They may lack the funds, resources, and support systems to navigate scholarship applications and the entire admissions process. The Youth Educational Success Program (YES) helps youth in foster care address these barriers to education and increase the number of foster youth attending and graduating from a post-secondary education program.
Our Mission Statement:
Youth Educational Success (YES) supports youth (age 17 – 23) involved in the foster-care system to overcome barriers by providing each individual participant the necessary skills, knowledge & resource assistance needed to effectively navigate community-based supports & programs to encourage their post-secondary education success.
Refer Someone to Join the Program
Do you know someone who is a good fit for this program? Through the YES program, participants receive:
- Assistance navigating higher educational programs. We’ll help with scheduling and attending campus tours, class enrollment, and understanding the financial aid process.
- Academic support. We’ll partner with students to create a plan to meet their individual academic needs and connect them to other academic resources.
- Monitoring of academic performance. As part of the program, we’ll monitor grades, attendance, and overall academic performance, and problem-solve with youth to address barriers as they arise.
- Guidance with career exploration. We’ll also assist with career exploration by collaborating with community partners for job shadowing opportunities and internships.
- Transition support. Our Transition Coordinator provides 1:1 career planning guidance as youth transition from our programs to competitive employment. The Coordinator helps identify training/certificate programs, financial aid, and local support programs and serves as a liaison for community support services.
Who is Eligible for YES?
Foster care youth are eligible for the YES program if they meet the following requirements:
- Are a current or former youth in foster care ages 17-23 (at time of application).
- Earned a high school diploma/GED/HiSet or is on track to graduate from high school.
- Attends school regularly
- Is currently enrolled or desires to be enrolled in a post-secondary education program or college.
- Demonstrates dedication and commitment to education.
Contact Kim Bailey at [email protected] to learn more.
It’s really like a silver lining for youth in foster care who want that higher education and who want that help,” said Doreen. “We are in that percentage of kids who are at a disadvantage. The YES program gives you hope.” – Eugenia Doreen Wallace
make a referral
YOUR DONATIONS PROVIDE
- Youth & Family Support
- Foster Care & Adoption
- Education & Community Trainings