For the Love of Success

This toolkit was created by foster youth for foster youth to help them graduate from high school and get into college. Educational planning is very important for foster youth becuase they are not always told of the opportunities they have to succeed in education. In order to be successful, youth need a thorough and well-thought-out plan.

Youth should work with a supportive adult to go through this toolkit together. It is designed to be helpful for any youth in high school. This toolkit should be reviewed every semester to make sure the youth is on track. 

The first section, "Getting to Know You," will identify a youth's needs, strengths, skills, and interests. It will also help youth create short- and long-term goals to map out a plan for success. 

The second section, "Planning It Out," will help foster youth understand exactly what they have to do to get into college. It includes information on finding colleges, what you need to apply for college, and financial aid. It also has insightful advice from foster youth who have been through the process and bountiful resources for youth to plan successful college experiences. This section includes a checklist to ensure youth are on track with all the tasks they need to get into college. 

Youth Fostering Change would like to thank the Philadelphia Department of Human Services for publishing this guide and for their continued support of Juvenile Law Center's youth advocacy programs.