Education as a Lifeline: Supporting Youth Aging Out of Care

For those who know me personally, you may recall my college days—long hours spent studying, writing, and pushing myself to grow academically. While some might have seen this dedication as “try-hard,” the reality is that I have always loved learning. I value education deeply, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to experience college and all that it offered.
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Education shapes more than knowledge; it shapes character. It exposes us to new ideas, challenges us to consider different perspectives, and teaches us the value of hard work and perseverance. These experiences, which many of us take for granted, are not universal. Youth in foster care often face a complex web of challenges—including frequent moves, disrupted schooling, and limited access to resources—resulting in inconsistent, limited, or sometimes entirely denied educational opportunities.

These barriers can make pursuing an education feel daunting, if not impossible, and can leave young people without the stability and guidance they need to reach their full potential. Yet education has the power to be truly transformative. It opens the doors to new opportunities, fosters critical thinking, and helps youth envision and build a future beyond the circumstances they were born into. 

I’ll never forget hearing a young person express their frustration: “I could have gone to school if it weren’t for this.” Their words were a humbling reminder of the privileges many of us take for granted—and a call to action to ensure that no young person is held back from learning because of circumstances beyond their control.

Organizations like Brightside, together with supportive communities, can make education not just a possibility, but a pathway to empowerment. By connecting youth with mentorship, tutoring, scholarships, and career guidance, and by fostering networks of support, we can help them gain the tools and resilience they need to thrive. Each of us has a role to play—whether through volunteering, advocacy, or simply offering encouragement—to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to build a brighter future.

This work is a constant reminder of the progress still to be made. As the weather warms and students celebrate the close of their semesters, let us not forget those who dream of pursuing education but face obstacles that make that goal feel out of reach. By coming together as a community, we can rewrite the narratives for young people aging out of foster care.
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About the Author

Anna Hunger
Anna is our wonderful Administrative Assistant at Brightside. With a passion for education and helping others, she has been an incredible addition to our team.