The lack of financial as well as emotional support put youth in foster care at a disadvantage. While many of these kids dream of going to college and landing a good job after, only about 10% will end up enrolling in a degree or vocational certificate program. Out of that 10%, only 26% will graduate. If you want to help children in foster care achieve their dreams of getting a college degree, here’s what you can do.
Know the Situation
Read up on the situation. Find out what challenges children in foster care face regarding going to college. Once you are well aware of the odds they face and familiar with the hurdles they will encounter, you can decide what kind of help you can offer to a reputable foster care organization near you.
Read Up on The Issue
Heartbreaking statistics reveal about 50% of kids in foster care will become homeless or imprisoned. They also have a higher risk of teen pregnancy. Intervention is crucial and that’s where your help comes in.
Look Beyond the Money
Donations to children in foster care matter. Financial resources are often scarce and what little you can spare can go a long way to help youth in foster care achieve their dreams. However, that’s not the only way you can offer your help. You can also provide emotional support. Volunteering at a foster care organization you trust can also be as important and make a significant difference in the lives of children.
Consider Your Strengths
You can contribute to the development of kids in foster care near you. Volunteer and participate in programs. Give them your time and talk to others about their challenges. You can encourage more of your friends, family, and contacts to learn about children in foster care and help out in providing their needs.
Give Aid and Provide Scholarships
One way you can offer much-needed resources to kids is to give them financial aid. Scholarships for youth in foster care are a great way to make that happen. By providing them with financial resources, you give more children a chance to change their lives and their future.
Build Programs
Add to the resources and programs that focus on addressing the needs of youth in foster care, especially those who want to pursue education and apply to college. You can provide invaluable help this way, even if it’s as simple as helping them complete the requirements they need to apply or graduate.
Learn more about how you can help. Contact a foster care organization like Arizona Friends of Foster Children today.
Resources for Youth in Foster Care