Foster youth often lack stability and nurturing attention during their growing up years, resulting in a 25% lower college-going rate than that of the general population. Andi Mata, a former foster youth who serves as an ambassador and advocate, shares her college journey to spotlight the obstacles, needs and supports this population often requires. She worked with First Star, a community organization supporting high-school-age foster youth, to receive the guidance needed to prepare for life beyond foster care.
“With their guidance,” Mata writes, “I was able to apply for college instead of giving up on my goals.” She explains that she’s now attending college while working with children with special needs, in hopes of eventually becoming a schoolteacher.
Mata shares her purpose in telling her story:
- “I want other youth in foster care to see that there is a pathway to college and independence. I am an example of that.
- I want child welfare and education leaders to recognize that foster youth are not just products of their systems. We are young people who require more than odd-fitting clothes and toiletries sent yearly. To achieve our goals and dreams, we need extra help to heal from trauma, focus on our studies, and reclaim our ability to become accomplished young adults.
- It’s time for public systems to deepen partnerships with community-based organizations who understand us and offer the individualized support, coaching and encouragement we need to get to graduation day and prepare for the future.”
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