The Academy

The Foundation conceived The Academy to address the needs of young adults who “age out” of the NYC foster care system each year with little preparation and no safety net, since the City has no budget for aftercare. Reports indicate that most who “age out” of foster care end up homeless or incarcerated within the first 18 months. Private organizations have historically steered clear of this difficult issue.

The Academy was initially aimed at persuading the City, foster care agencies and nonprofits to work together to solve the "aging out" crisis - beginning with the agencies responsible for older foster youth during the critical period right before they leave care. Simply stated, The Academy initiative provides a critical and independent bridge between the child welfare system and independent living.

The Academy became a sustainable program funded by other private and public resources where foster care agencies and service providers collaborate to provide education and workforce preparation to NYC’s foster teens.

Evaluations of The Academy's successes and challenges have been documented in two independent reports released by The Vera Institute of Justice and by F.E.G.S. Health and Human Services System in 2010. Of 271 participating youth, 88% completed The Academy's core curriculum CareerFirsts™, a readiness curriculum integrating education and workforce services. Among youth participating in The Academy's educational services, 70% either demonstrated progress or continue to remain active in the program working toward their goals. The Academy has served more than 400 young people since 2007.