VMA/VRC Foster(s) Love for Children in STEM

This year, the VMA and VRC are taking a bold step in partnering with Foster Love for an online fundraiser designed to change the narrative for youth navigating the foster care system. Currently, there are approximately 430,000 foster youth in the U.S., with around 1,200 more entering the system each day. These young lives are often thrust into a whirlwind of uncertainty, moving between foster homes on an average of 4 to 6 times, leaving them scrambling for stability and a sense of belonging. The harsh reality is that only 1 in 4 foster children will graduate with a high school diploma or GED, highlighting the urgent need for support and resources. Imagine the profound impact on a child’s development when they are deprived of the simple comforts of childhood—a familiar toy, a favorite book, or the chance to explore their interests. Many foster youth find themselves without these basic experiences, navigating unfamiliar environments where they struggle to feel grounded. Foster Love, previously Together We Rise aims to change this by equipping these youth with resources they can claim as their own, allowing them to regain a sense of agency and self. By contributing to our campaign, you are not merely donating; you are becoming part of a transformative movement. Your generous contributions will help fund STEM project boxes filled with educational materials on valves and the valve industry, alongside hands-on equipment for engaging experiments. These boxes will empower foster youth to immerse themselves in learning, opening doors to future possibilities. Changing the statistics for good.  Together, we can help foster youth not only survive but thrive, reclaiming the joyful aspects of their childhood that every young person deserves. Thank you for standing with us in this vital cause!