Helping youth in foster care reach their education goals

Posted by City of Philadelphia on November 7, 2023

Many young people who are transitioning out of foster care find that those last few steps into adulthood are more like a steep, mountainous climb. The Philadelphia Department of Human Services (DHS) and its partners are working to smooth that journey so youth can reach their highest peak.

For those whose peak includes a college education or other post-secondary training, youth with foster care experience can get support. Youth can connect with a coach who can help students navigate the college process, from applying for admission to completing scholarship applications that will pay for housing and other expenses. Youth who were in care at age 16 are able to attend college at no cost (tuition only) at accredited schools in Pennsylvania up to age 26.

Here are a few steps to help keep youth with foster care experience moving towards their academic goals.