Education & Career Planning Resources for Foster Youth in NY

Here are a number of resources in New York State specifically to help foster youth with education and career planning.

Foster Youth College Success Initiative (FYCSI) – NYSED / OCFS
Helps current and former foster youth with financial support toward undergraduate studies (tuition, housing, meals), plus other supports for college success. Must be a NYS resident who spent time in foster care after their 13th birthday, or be an orphan (with some conditions). Works at SUNY, CUNY, or private colleges with HEOP. To apply, submit required consent/documentation. New York State Education Department The City University of New York

NYC / NY Foundling – College Choice Support Services
Academic, social, financial & professional support; tutors, academic counseling; help choosing a major, study habits, long-term academic planning. Youth in older adolescence / foster care (NYC area) who want help transitioning to and through college. One applies via Foundling; check eligibility. The New York Foundling

OCFS Academic / Scholarship Resources
Guide to navigating higher education, including scholarship opportunities, academic resources for youth in care. Available to youth in care or who have been in foster care in NYS. Useful for preparing for college, understanding what financial aid / scholarships might be available. Office of Children and Family Services

Educational Supports for Youth in Foster Care – Chafee Program
Helps with completing high school or TASC equivalency, tutoring, homework help, literacy training, study skills. Also includes postsecondary planning: college counseling, applying for FAFSA/financial aid, test prep, college tours etc. Eligible foster youth in NY. Chafee eligibility often covers youth in or aged out of foster care. Check with NYS Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS) for details. Child Welfare Information Gateway

Fair Futures (NYC)
Coaching, tutoring, academic & career development, life skills. They serve youth from 9th grade through age 26. Also access to materials & tools, goal-setting, support through transitions. Youth in foster care (NYC). Contact Fair Futures to enroll or learn more. fairfuturesny.org

NYFC (New Yorkers for Children)
Scholarships, academic counselling, support for entering and staying in college or vocational programs; help obtaining skills needed to enter the workforce. Youth who have aged out or are in NYC foster care, pursuing post-secondary education or vocational training. NYFC - New Yorkers For Children

V-CRED (NYC Vocational Training Program for Foster Youth)
Vocational training, professional certification courses, paid internships/apprenticeships, job placement in career pathways such as IT, allied health, building trades, etc. NYC youth in foster care aged 16–24. Needs enrollment; some training through community college (e.g. Kingsborough) and partners. NYC.gov

Additional Tools & Guides

Foster Youth Postsecondary Education Planning Resources (John Burton Advocates for Youth)
Step-by-step guides, checklists, resources for high school graduation, navigating the FAFSA, choosing community college, four-year college, vocational programs. jbay.org

Foster Care Toolkit, P-12 NYSED
Addresses educational rights of students in foster care, school stability, transportation, etc. Helpful for high school and before. New York State Education Department