A New Class of Family Fellows Coming Soon
Our new Family Fellowship scholarship recipients will be announced very soon! As we prepare to introduce this new group, we’re reflecting on the journeys of some incredible past Fellows. Each year, we’re inspired by the resilience, talent, and drive of every Family Fellowship recipient. Their stories remind us what’s possible when young people are given the opportunity to focus on their dreams instead of just surviving.
Meet Some of Our Past Family Fellowship Recipients
Each year, the Family Fellowship creates life-changing opportunities for students from foster care, allowing them to build their futures and follow their dreams. While we get ready to announce this year’s new Family Fellowship recipients, we’re sharing the words of last year’s inspiring winners — in their own voices:
“My high school years were defined by a fervent commitment to social justice. Through initiatives like XQ America, I advocated for student rights and collaborated on educational reform. Volunteering with youth groups, I addressed the needs of the homeless community and spearheaded projects like community gardens to foster sustainability and nutrition. However, my proudest achievement was founding and leading The San Francisco Citywide Black Student Union, a platform for unity and empowerment in our diverse city.”
“Despite the hardships, I eventually saw my time in foster care as a period that shaped my character. It has pushed me to thrive in all that I do, specifically academically. Schools had become and remain my refuge in my life, which was once filled with uncertainty and instability. I’ve set very high academic standards for myself, seeing each step toward breaking the traumatic cycle of my past. Reflecting on nearly six years in foster care, I have learned that perseverance can dominate the most tremendous odds. Each challenge has taught me that resilience can transform adversity into learning and growth, no matter how hard or unfair.”
“Throughout my journey in foster care, I witnessed firsthand the disruptive effects of frequent changes in school placements on the educational trajectories of foster youth. These disruptions not only impede academic progress but also contribute to a statistic that a significant percentage of foster youth do not pursue higher education. This reality propelled me to envision a future where foster youth are empowered to overcome such obstacles and realize their full potential. Drawing upon my own experiences, I am driven to effect positive change within the foster youth community.”
“Although my living situations haven’t always been the best, I have always had a robust support system. Growing up in Foster Care took away my chance to have a ‘normal’ teenage life, but thanks to my support system, they made it just as good, if not better. I was fortunate to have only one case manager during my entire stay in foster care. Her name is Rhonda Alton-Dick, and she has always been one of my biggest advocates. She helped me stay true to my promise to my mother to graduate. She also forced me to stay in the Marching Band, which ultimately distracted me from my surroundings and gave me something to look forward to daily.”
“The cards I was dealt may not be great, but even with an impoverished upbringing, I’ll play my hand. Less than 10% of former foster youth students have more than a high school diploma, less than 3% have earned a bachelor’s degree, and less than 2% attend private universities. I’ve already beaten one of these odds and I’m determined to beat them all. Pursuing my education is about evolving, adapting, and proving I am the outlier, showing that even students with a history in foster care can thrive in higher education.”These stories are only a glimpse of what’s possible with support, mentorship, and community. We can’t wait to introduce you to our newest Family Fellows—students who are ready to break barriers, change their narratives, and shape brighter futures.
Learn more about the Family Fellowship Scholarship Now!
Help Create More Success Stories
These powerful voices remind us why the Family Fellowship matters. We can’t wait to introduce our new Family Fellowship recipients and share their dreams and journeys with you. Stay tuned — the announcement is just around the corner!
When you support the Family Fellowship, you help create life-changing opportunities for students like Burton, Nyanna, Caleb, Alexis, and Ruben. Together, we can help more foster youth turn their dreams into reality.
