By Diehdre Gregory
The Possibilities Project Program Manager

Education plays a critical role in establishing and maintaining a career and building a strong social network. The Child Trends nationwide report assessed best practices and innovations in six crucial service areas, one of which was Post-secondary Education. Research shows young people who have experienced foster care have, on average, poorer educational outcomes than their non-foster care peers.

For example, research has found that less than three percent of young people involved in foster care will earn a college degree by age 25, compared to 28 percent of all 25-year-olds.

The Possibilities Project (TPP) is working on changing those outcomes for Virginia’s youth. One TPP participant celebrated the completion of her CNA course in the summer of 2017 and was immediately hired in her field. With the support of The Possibilities Project, she recently passed her state licensure exam, is officially a Licensed CNA, earning a livable wage, and LOVING her job. When asked what she sees for her future, she stated that she’s ready to explore college options so that she can work towards a higher degree.

As America’s foster care population grows, the nation has a choice: face a crisis of young adults without education, housing, or employment, or capture the potential of these young people and reap the rewards of ensuring they have a safe and stable adulthood.