Fostering college success: Mentorship program provides opportunities for youth in foster care

There are tremendous costs — to individuals, communities and society as a whole — when youth transition from foster care without a committed, caring family and extended network of support. College graduation can make a lifelong difference in reducing these costs. Unfortunately, too few students from foster care ever gain access to higher education programs, let alone graduate.

The good news is that strong, multisector collaboration can nurture college success for youth from foster care.

In New York City, the Fostering College Success Mentorship Program was forged through a strategic partnership among New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services, Goldman Sachs and Casey Family Programs. The program pairs students from foster care with Goldman Sachs employees in a meaningful and ongoing mentoring relationship. It is designed to expose youth to professional and experiential opportunities through a series of one-on-one meetings and group workshops.

Students have the opportunity to become familiar with the Goldman Sachs corporate environment, understand various sectors and explore the roles and responsibilities of different jobs. Students also receive hands-on support with drafting resumes, cover letters, enhancing interview skills and developing soft skills, and are provided with an array of opportunities to attend cultural events and workshops.

To learn more about how the Fostering College Success Mentorship program is helping youth in foster care succeed, read this report.