“As we look to the upcoming school year, it is my hope that New York City continues to invest in training for our foster parents as well as initiatives like College Choice and Fair Futures, which have helped turn the ‘system’ into a supportive village to help young people in foster care as they transition into adulthood.”
Brooklyn College graduation in 2022. (Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office)
This season, students across New York City are going back to college, many with the support of their family members and loved ones who may even pay for resources to assist along the way. Students in foster care, like myself, deserve that same support and encouragement. In New York City, the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) is making that happen in a number of ways, for which I am incredibly grateful.
As someone who grew up in foster care, I know how difficult life can be. I have faced many challenges. I was diagnosed as visually impaired at 12 years old. A few years later, both my parents passed away for different health reasons. There I was in my early teens, legally blind and struggling with the grief of losing the two most important people in my life.
After a few different placements both with relatives and foster parents that just weren’t the right fit, I finally met Ms. Matthews, who showed me patience, kindness and love. I know that was not easy to do, as I was rebellious and unmotivated about the future. Ms. Matthews did not let that stop her. She treated me as part of her family. Although I was unsure about what I wanted to do in life she kept on offering me guidance, but most of all—grace. I am grateful for her dedication and her belief in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.
Ms. Matthews has been a foster parent for many, many years, and so her knowledge of the foster care system is invaluable. She has seen the improvements firsthand and was able to point me to a wide range of resources newly available to older youth in foster care. I was hesitant at first and only did it to appease her, but that changed when I realized how invested everyone was in my success.
The Fair Futures program was life-changing for me. Ms. Matthews pointed me to an ACS-funded youth center in my borough of the Bronx that paired me with my own Fair Futures coach. I started to meet with my coach twice a month to plan goals and put them into action, starting with completing my GED. My coach helped me land a paid internship in the catering field. For the first time in a long time, I felt like a productive young adult.
I was ready to try my next move, but thankfully I didn’t have to do it alone because of the ACS College Choice Program. A team of coaches helped me with everything—from finding the right college, to applying and visiting campuses in person. These are usually rites of passage that a young person does with family members, and that may seem out of reach to teens in foster care. That is not the case anymore, because of College Choice. Foster youth no longer have to feel left out or navigate this complicated process alone.
College Choice pays the tuition, room and board for college students who are in foster care. It also provides a daily stipend, including for six months after graduation. It is helping to cover the cost of my dual bachelor’s and master’s degree in public administration. This year, 25 young people graduated from the College Choice program.
The help hasn’t stopped there. My Fair Futures coach, Natalie, worked with ACS to help me find, qualify for and furnish my very own apartment. I am in my 20s now and still check in with Natalie often. She helps me stay on track and gives me words of encouragement.
As we look to the upcoming school year, it is my hope that New York City continues to invest in training for our foster parents as well as initiatives like College Choice and Fair Futures, which have helped turn the “system” into a supportive village to help young people in foster care as they transition into adulthood.
I am an example of what is possible when unconditional support is available for foster youth. I hope the programs continue to grow for the next generation, so every student in New York City—no matter their background—can reach full potential.
Regina Rivera was born and raised in the Bronx. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s and master’s in public administration. Rivera enjoys art and baking and is an advocate.
The post Opinion: Supporting the NYC Students in Foster Care Attending College This Fall appeared first on City Limits.
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