The Cause
Foster youth face immense hurdles during their educational journey. Discover the reality foster youth experience every day and why education is crucial in breaking the cycle and how together can help change these facts.
The Reality for Foster Youth
Nearly 400,000 children and youth are in foster care in the U.S. today. Many face significant educational barriers:
Only 50%
graduate from high school
Only 20%
84% want to go to college, but only 20% are able to attend
Just 2-9%
Of those who attend, just 2-9% earn a Bachelor’s degree
How Education Changes Lives
When foster youth have access to education and support, it not only improves their academic outcomes but also promotes better physical, emotional, and social well-being. Education can counteract the negative effects of abuse, neglect, and instability, providing opportunities for a brighter future.
Foster Care Education Statistics
391,098
youth in foster care (2021)
56-75%
change schools when first entering care
34%
experience 5+ school changes by age 18
2x
Foster youth are 2x more likely to be absent, suspended, or expelled compared to peers
Only 50%
complete high school by age 18
7th grade
Average reading level at age 17-18
2.8
Average number of living arrangements during first foster care stay
2.5-3.5x
Foster youth are 2.5-3.5x more likely to receive special education services compared to their peers
Power to Soar Foundation’s Impact
Power to Soar Foundation empowers foster youth by providing educational grants, support, and other resources. Our goal is to help them complete their education and transition to a productive life, breaking the cycle of home, food and financial insecurity.
Your support will transform the lives of foster youth. PSF has made significant contributions to changing foster youth lives because of the broad support we have gotten from the community.