For young people, aging out of foster care is a significant step in their life journey. These young adults now find themselves on the brink of independence, sometimes without a ready support system or accessible resources to help them as they navigate the challenges of independence and adulthood. However, technology can play a vital role in supporting their transition to independence. Let’s discover how technology can empower young people formerly and currently in foster care.
Continuing Education
- Bridging the gap. When transitioning into the adult world, access to continuing education can provide youth with new skills and learning experiences. Today’s technology bridges geographical gaps, which allows young people formerly and currently in foster care to pursue a higher education remotely. These flexible learning opportunities can occur through virtual classrooms, online courses, and educational apps. Scholarships and financial aid portals are also available online to provide students with essential information or answer questions.
- Personalized learning. Frequent out-of-home placements, among other circumstances, can create challenges for young people in foster care that lead to a disrupted education or interrupted schooling. Personalized learning is one resource that can help young people catch up to their peers, fill knowledge gaps, and progress educationally at their own pace. These adaptive learning platforms can tailor academic content to an individual student’s specific needs.
Gaining Employment
- Digital job searches. Technology simplifies job hunting. Online job boards, resume builders, and professional networking platforms connect young people in foster care with potential employment opportunities. Virtual career fairs also allow young people to explore diverse fields and connect with employers.
- New skill development. E-learning platforms offer employment skills such as vocational courses, coding boot camps, and other types of training. These platforms allow young people in foster care to gain marketable skills that may enhance their employability.
- Job site training and courses. Some employers offer online training, courses, and other educational opportunities that young people in foster care can complete through the company’s learning platforms. Some employers also pay for their employees’ advanced educational degrees or certifications, which can benefit young people in foster care by expanding their skills and knowledge.