Fewer than three percent of foster children graduate from college and fewer than sixty percent graduate from high school. Many states offer tuition waivers for students to attend college, brining opportunity that otherwise may not been possible. Education is often a ticket out of the cyclical shortcomings that are experienced in a broken home. It is a chance for children to develop a good work ethic, while taking ownership over their potential. For foster children, as well as any child, early childhood development often shapes the future for young adulthood.
Unfortunately, foster care can turn out to be a childhood of unstable home after unstable home. Children develop antisocial behaviors, mistrust, and depression. These difficult experiences are later coupled with life as a young adult, leaving many unable to cope. Foster children have a unique perspective because they are able to extend beyond the textbook and offer evidence-based results from their own experiences. No matter the circumstances, foster children who want to succeed in education have as much of a chance as anyone.
While education is a great tool for success, it is fortunately not the only option. Only half of foster children are employed after aging out. Aging out occurs when a foster child reaches the age of 18 or graduates high school, some states extend are to age 20 or 21. Pay close attention to this fact, for it must not be overlooked on diverse path to success. Holding a stable job is necessary for rent, groceries, health expenses, transportation, and much more. When one becomes an independent adult they must be able to hold a job, provide for basic necessities, follow the laws of the land, and build healthy relationships.
There is opportunity more than ever to launch directly into the job market. When employers are interested in hiring diverse candidates, there must be more inclusion outside of race and ethnicity. Foster children bring a diverse background that few could actually understand. A job can be the difference between going hungry and having enough to share. There is a direct correlation between disadvantaged youth who work and those that fall into idleness. The latter often leads to a greater chance of incarceration and inability to provide for oneself.
“Education and employment are short-term investments that yield long-term gains.”
Jon Trotter
Today, children are raised in foster care, group homes, single-parent homes, two-parent homes, or dysfunctional homes. There are no exemptions for children, foster care or otherwise. Education and employment are short-term investments that yield long-term gains. Many foster children never learned how to save money, keep a budget, research resources, or establish housing. It is time to come alongside them with a message of empowerment. The road to success is rarely traveled with ease. There will be hardships, setbacks, failures, and doubts, but the good news is that the story continues. In education, there are scholarships grants, and multiple resources. In employment, there are job fairs, internships, and training. Foster children born into adversity get to make a choice to take ownership of their futures. We stand as a trusted partner on that journey.