Making Learning Accessible: How The Foundling Supports Young People through Education
Young people in foster care frequently face disruptions to stability – and this often spills over into their education.
Recognizing these unique challenges, The Foundling provides robust and trauma – informed educational services that meet the academic, vocational, and emotional needs of the young people we support.
From one-on-one tutoring to college support, our teams meet young people where they are and provide the tools for success.
The Foundling’s College Choice Support Services help young adults in foster care create and open doors of opportunity through personalized career and academic counseling.
“Being in foster care, it’s a lot thrown at you… financial instability, housing instability – all of that together is the biggest fear for most of our youth,” said Saleem Bradley, Director of College Choice Support Services. “That’s where we come in.”
Students in the program, through our partnership with Administration for Children’s Services (ACS), receive full tuition and housing support to remove those barriers. As they work toward earning their degree, participants are connected with tutors, career counselors, and a College Success Advisor; this robust support system helps them develop effective study habits and plan for their future.
“Throughout the time we’re there along the way, cheering them on, being a safety net,” shares Saleem.
What began in 2016 as a program supporting 40 college students in foster care at select City University of New York (CUNY) schools has now grown to serve more than 400 students attending schools nationwide. Personalized support – and early intervention like The Foundling’s Road to Success tutoring program help to foster college readiness.
For more than a decade, The Foundling’s innovative Road to Success tutoring program has helped young people in foster care achieve academic success.
With an overall grade promotion rate of 98%, the program’s success has led to its expansion, now supporting students at Haven Academy and young people in The Foundling’s preventive and juvenile justice programs.
When Cherish (grade 8) and Josiah (grade 12), who reside with their family in Brooklyn, were connected to our tutoring services last year, the siblings were having a difficult time in school. Cherish was struggling to stay motivated, and Josiah had issues with math. The family was introduced to Adelaide, who helped the children grow by matching their pace and ensuring they fully comprehend their schoolwork.
“If I didn’t understand questions, she would let me take my time to understand,” shared Cherish.
On top of providing academic support, Adelaide became someone that the children could trust. She was patient and made them both feel accepted. “[Adelaide] understood who I was as a person,” said Josiah.
The children recently completed services – and since then, both Cherish and Josiah have continued to thrive in school. Their mom shared that even when the children have a difficult time with certain subjects, they are able to find ways to succeed. Our services provide tools for sustainability, which make a lasting impact on the lives of people we support.
By supporting our work, you can help make a difference and contribute to more positive outcomes for the children and young adults we serve.
Donate here.