Fostering Opportunities Scholarships

Each year as many as 400 youth "age out" of the foster care system in San Diego County at the age of eighteen. While many qualify for financial aid for education, this still leaves books, food, rent and transportation. Since 2002, over $700,000 has been raised for scholarships. Thirty-six FOS students have graduated with Bachelors degrees and three with Masters degrees. What makes FOS most unique,

however, are the individual relationships our mentors develop with students. Mentors provide an ear to listen, help students discover the hope and strengths inside themselves, provide guidance and encouragement as needed, and witness student milestones and achievements. Here's why mentoring is so important: In the foster care system, students haven't had control over even minor aspects of their lives, or been taught the skills needed to successfully transition into adulthood. What, then, happens after emancipation? *
51% are unemployed.
65% age out without a place to live.
60% of women are pregnant by age 20. Around 10% enter college; 5% graduate. Although less than 0.3% of the state’s population, 40% in homeless shelters are former foster youth, as is a corresponding percentage of the country's prison population. We want our students be among those 5% that graduate, so our mentors walk along side to help students reach their goals. FOS is an all volunteer organization affiliated with the Ocean Beach Community Foundation. (501(c)(3)Tax ID #33-087-1198)