Celebrating A Foster Love Scholar Breaking Barriers
When it comes to foster care graduation rates, the numbers can be discouraging—less than 10% of youth who experience foster care will go on to earn a college degree. But one former foster youth is changing that story.
Meet Adriana
“When I was nine, my oldest brother, just eighteen himself, stepped up in the most incredible way,” Adriana shares. “With his girlfriend, he took us in and juggled college and parenting to give us the childhood we never had. They put us in sports, helped us with school, and exposed us to enrichment programs that changed my life. That’s where I discovered my passion for science and service, leading me to dream of a future in the medical field, specifically as an anesthesiologist.”
That early encouragement lit a fire in Adriana to pursue a career in medicine. She began volunteering at a local health clinic during high school, and that opportunity turned into part-time work. By the time she was in college, she already had years of hands-on experience in the medical field. Her dream? To become an anesthesiologist and one day help others by creating affordable housing for youth who’ve experienced hard times like she has.
This year, Adriana is graduating from the University of California, Merced, with a degree in Biological Sciences, focused on Human Biology. For Adriana, this achievement marks more than a B.A. diploma—it’s a symbol of hope, hard work, and the impact of a support system that never gave up on her.
Future Plans
After her Bachelor’s, Adriana intends to pursue a doctoral degree as an anesthesiologist. Her ultimate goal in her career is to work in the medical field while also purchasing property in order to provide affordable housing options to other former foster youth who have struggled.
The Family Fellowship: A Game-Changer
For Adriana, the scholarship meant she could move off-campus and begin supporting herself. Most importantly, it meant she didn’t have to take on additional jobs, giving her the time and energy to focus on her studies and take more classes to reach her goal faster.
At Foster Love, we know that behind every diploma is a story like Adriana’s. The Family Fellowship is designed to support scholars who have faced the foster care system, helping them thrive in college and prepare for life beyond graduation.
Foster Care Graduation Rates: Why This Matters
Nationwide, only about 50% of youth in foster care graduate from high school, and fewer than 10% earn a college degree. These numbers show how rare and meaningful Adriana’s achievement is. With the right support, students like her can beat the odds and reach incredible heights.
Adriana’s story reminds us all of what’s possible when love, resilience, and opportunity come together. We are so proud to stand behind her, and we can’t wait to see the difference she’ll make in the world.
