 With a Little Help, a DiplomaOmaha’s Jerry Martinez began this journey by just wanting to find out more about the young man that was dating his daughter, Sabrina. But when he heard DeAndre Sturgeon’s story he knew he couldn’t give up on the youth.
DeAndre experienced years of neglect and truancy that made it difficult to flourish in school. Eventually, he was taken into foster care custody and began to make progress at an Omaha high school; but he still fell short of graduating.
Last Updated (Tuesday, 27 July 2010 10:11)
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Matt’s Story Matt Hudson lived with his parents for most of his childhood in a constant state of instability; this became especially true after his parents divorced and both Matt and his father lived in 4 different states before settling in Humboldt, Kansas.  At the age of 14, Matt was entered into foster care because of a physically abusive relationship with his father. Matt was shuffled through a few temporary foster homes across Kansas before a long-term placement in Pittsburg. After spending some time in this placement, Matt realized that he had the desire to return to Humboldt.
Last Updated (Tuesday, 27 July 2010 10:58)
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Lucas Boyce, Orlando Magic executive, shared his foster care experience with a large group of youth at Florida’s Orange Youth Academy. Boyce, originally from Independence, MO, was born prematurely to a mother suffering from a drug addiction and was subsequently adopted into a loving family. At a young age, Boyce struggled with behavior issues, he even failed kindergarten, until his adoptive mother gave him some radical advice:
1. Remember who you are and who you represent. 2. Work late, study hard, and you will be successful.
Last Updated (Tuesday, 27 July 2010 10:56)
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In partnership with the National Foster Parent Association, http://www.nfpainc.org, the University of Phoenix has offered 50 full-ride scholarships to foster youth, foster care alumni or foster parents,under the banner of the University's First Chance Scholarship program. The scholarship is redeemable at any University of Phoenix campus, including the online program.
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The Orphan Foundation of America recognizes the difficulties that foster youth face when making the decision to attend secondary education. Not only is the application process a daunting task, but finding a way to fund a secondary education can be most discouraging; the Orphan Foundation of American recognizes that the lack of familial support further exacerbates these stresses. Therefore the organization provides millions of dollars in funding each year to assist foster youth to realize their collegiate dreams. Additionally, the OFA offers emotional and social support to ensure foster youths’ success.
Last Updated (Monday, 26 July 2010 11:37)
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 San Francisco’s Guardian Scholars program helps foster youth continue to succeed by providing assistance with college attendance. The program is tailored for foster youth only and not only helps with making the right decisions in regards to applying and completing college but it also helps foster youth to eliminate the stigma that can arise from being involved in the foster care system.
Last Updated (Monday, 12 July 2010 13:30)
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(SUMMIT)-- For many foster care youth, aging out of the system is a reality. Venturing out on one’s own can be intimidating, especially in the case of foster youth, because of lack of support and information. “Get Connected,” a Florida based program offers a series of workshops directed at educating young adults who have aged out about personal relationship and workplace skills they may not have learned growing up; among the topics covered were conflict resolution and the different communication styles of men and women.
Last Updated (Tuesday, 13 July 2010 12:24)
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(AP)- The poster child for America’s foster care system cannot be represented by one individual youth. Every young person who has experienced involvement in this system knows that it is a journey fraught with both heartache and happy endings that are as individual as the youth themselves. Yet for some kids, they are experiencing a change in the system for the better.
Last Updated (Tuesday, 13 July 2010 11:56)
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Foster Club selected Modia as the 2010 Outstanding Kansas Young Leader. She has been actively involved in training child welfare staff and court workers since appointed chairperson of the Kansas Youth Advisory Council. She has also participated in advocacy at the state capital and sits on a committee working with Casey Family Services to improve transition services in Kansas. We are truly proud of her.
Last Updated (Tuesday, 13 July 2010 12:32)
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The Foster Club Outstanding Young Leader program selected truly remarkable nominees in 2010. Check them out! 
Last Updated (Tuesday, 06 July 2010 15:20)
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 Richie Bazurto, Modia Evans, Rachel Perkins, testified before the House Federal and State Affairs Committee. These young advocates are active in the Kansas Youth Advisory Council, a youth organization that gives teenagers a voice in setting foster care policies.
Last Updated (Tuesday, 13 July 2010 12:36)
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 has been launched by the Kansas Serves Substance Affected Families (KSSAF), to help foster youth and former youth in the pathways to adulthood.
Last Updated (Monday, 26 July 2010 11:51)
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Foster Club selected Matt as the  2009 Outstanding Kansas Young Leader. Matt was on the Region 1 Youth Advisory Council and the KYAC from 2004 to 2009. He was the KYAC Chair in 2008. Matt has done some consultation for the National Child Welfare Resource Center for Youth Development for the past several years and has helped other states set up councils. He serves on many state boards, has trained hundreds of child welfare workers in Kansas, and has mentored several youth. We feel very proud of him!
Last Updated (Tuesday, 13 July 2010 12:38)
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 A young woman’s story of resistance, strength, and resilience in the midst of several challenges!
Last Updated (Tuesday, 13 July 2010 12:35)
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(ARA) – In spring, most 17 and 18 year olds are busy with proms, high school graduations, and college applications. Most of them have their family’s emotional and financial support as they face these milestones. Unfortunately, youth in foster care encounter several challenges when they approach these events. For example, many money do not participate in these rites of passage due to lack of money (e.g. for formal attire, transportation and graduation fees). Also, foster care alumni often share the experience of not having a parent or caregiver attend important school events, especially their graduation.
Last Updated (Tuesday, 13 July 2010 11:04)
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