“The Opportunity Youth Collaborative is a profound example of how cross-sector partnerships can create innovation. When everyone contributes, we can ensure our transition age foster youth leave care with the resources, skills and ability to achieve their dreams.”
— Angela Parks-Pyles Department of Children and Family Services
01
75% of foster youth are performing below grade level
59% complete high school in four-years, compared to 83% of all students
High school proficiency and graduation is a key predictor of, and often essential for, occupational success and positive social outcomes.
With this new strategic focus, we will strive to ensure that our youth achieve educational equity in their high school experience, preparing them for post-secondary education and the workplace.
Objectives:
02
33% completed the FAFSA, as compared to 42% of general population
50% enroll in college; 4% complete a two- or four-year degree by age 24, as compared to 36% of the general population
We seek to increase post-secondary enrollment, persistence, and completion rates for youth who have experienced foster care. Post-secondary education is the key to enabling youth to achieve long-term economic security whether it be career technical education, vocational training programs or a 2-year or 4-year college degree.
Objectives:
03
67% will be unemployed at age 19
57% were employed at age 21
50% will be unemployed by age 24
For youth, a prosperous career often starts with pre-employment support, work readiness training, and meaningful work experience.
Our goal is to provide youth who have experienced foster care a viable pathway to their long-term career goals.
Objectives:
in 2023
young adults and practitioners reached across 139 trainings and convenings
of foster youth who were placed in a subsidized work experience completed training
in funding for direct educational support services for K-12 foster youth
convenings connecting young adults who experienced foster care to systems leaders
caregivers trained through newly-launched online caregiver training on Foster Parent College
© Copyright OYC 2021. All Rights Reserved.