Congrats Foster Progress Graduates!
Foster Progress held their Graduation & Scholarship Celebration on August 8th in Chicago to mark the achievements of the Class of 2021! In addition to the challenges of thriving in school during a global pandemic with remote learning these students also face unique challenges of navigating foster care during their high school years. Foster Progress pairs students with mentor that are committed to help them further their education and reach their goals. The celebration included words of affirmation from their mentors about each student along with scholarship money presentation. Kate Danielson, Executive Director and Jasamine Young Paulhill, Program Manager presented the students certificates highlighting their accomplishments including their $100 per hour towards furthering their education for meeting with their mentors. They were also gifted suitcases filled with items from their college wishlists purchased by supporters of Foster Progress. You can donate here.
Foster Progress empowers Illinois youth currently or formerly in foster care to attain a college degree and transition into adulthood successfully by providing mentorship, advocacy, and educational opportunity. Foster Progress has also recently merged with Traverse to offer expanded travel opportunities for their students. The keynote speaker was Cary Shelby who herself has time in foster care as part of her story. She spoke powerfully about learning to see her story as inspiration and empowerment instead of only what made her different. A student in the program also spoke about her relationship with her mentor and through tears thanked foster progress for “matching me with a best friend.”
Partnering with this organization over time and seeing the shift in the student’s confidence and the huge impact on the mentees AND mentors alike is a true blessing. Foster Progress has raised over $70,000 and this is just the beginning! Join them in supporting this good work! Watch out for the big things ahead for these graduates!
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