Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-22-2025

Abstract

Approximately 20,000 young adults age out of the foster care system in America each year. Of these 20,000 individuals, less than one-quarter will choose to participate in Extension of Foster Care services. Even fewer will complete a bachelor’s degree by age 26. Extension of Foster Care provides financial support for housing and education for young adults pursuing an education or working. However, most young adults have received little or no education on post-secondary options despite having the financial resources available for these programs. Low levels of protective factors further raise the barrier to entry for young adults to pursue an education. The following research presents a scholarly view of the literature as it relates to protective factors, educational attainment, and participation in Extension of Foster Care. The proposed implementation of the Better Futures Program, created with a Positive Youth Development perspective, combats this lack of educational pursuit by utilizing a combination of peer mentorship, group education, and a summer intensive program to increase participants' knowledge of post-secondary options. Centered in a Positive Youth Development perspective, this research intends to inform readers on the challenges young adults who have been involved in the foster care system face, and set the tone for further research on best practices to be implemented with this population.

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