Advancing towards a brighter future for youth in care.
Our Educational and Employment Support model combines mentorship, connection to a caring adult, educational advocacy, and trauma-informed educational support services for youth in care — from middle school to adulthood.
Heartshare St. Vincent's Family Services deploys a research-based approach in order to improve educational and life outcomes for youth in care. Coaches stick with these young people after they transition out of care and continue to provide one on one support services around academics, employment and career counseling, skill-building, accessing housing, and emotional support through the age of 26. Coaches are trained in motivational interviewing and trauma-informed care, which allows them to build a trusting relationship with young people, meet youths where they are, and tapping into their intrinsic motivation to collaboratively set goals and develop plans.
The positive impact of this model on the educational outcomes of youth in foster care is evident through improved high school graduation, college enrollment, and college graduation rates. Access to high quality education and work will eradicate many of the racial inequalities and systemic barriers our young people face and ensures they lead happy, fulfilling lives. This model is proven, creating new opportunities and futures for those we support.
This programming is focused on young adults within the foster care system, along with individuals who are transitioning out of the foster care system and entering the workforce, through the age of 26. As we add an alumni component, our reach will expand deeper into adulthood.
In New York City, the disparities in educational outcomes for youth in foster care are staggering. While 77% of NYC youth not in foster care graduate from high school, less than 25% of foster care youth achieve the same milestone. And when a youth in care does find success, barriers to internships and employment crop up.
Youth in care have limited access to trauma-informed, mental health support, they receive inadequate academic tutoring, and lack access to mentorship opportunities. This suite of programming tackles all of these impediments head on, and aims to increase educational standards for youths in foster care and continue to foster achievements within each individual’s life.
We are always looking to improve and grow what we can offer. Our coaching model is a lifeline for our young people and central to the work of Heartshare St. Vincent's Family Services. Over the next few years we hope to expand this life-changing model to other populations, including youth we serve in NYCHA community center, and those who are at risk of entering foster care. Through career exposure, training and immersion, not only will our young people have a shot at upward mobility, but our partners will have the opportunity to create and develop a diverse talent pipeline.
Relevant Programs
Educational & Employment Supports are just one piece within a larger ecosystem of supports for children and adults dealing with the trauma related to family separation.
