THE STORY:
EDUCATE TOMORROW CORP wrote -
For youth "aging out" of the foster care system, the transition to adulthood can be tremendously daunting. Upon their 18th birthday, these youths are expected to live independently, however they do not have the parental support that most young adults rely upon. Overwhelmed with the responsibilities of adulthood, it is challenging to focus on education. Although Florida offers tuition waivers for former foster youth to attend state colleges and universities, many of the youth do not take advantage of this resource.
That's where Educate Tomorrow comes in. In 2003, we created a mentoring program that matches transitioning youth with volunteer mentors from the community. The mentors undergo an intensive training program to understand the special needs of foster youth and to guide them academically. The mentor/mentee pairs meet at least once a week to discuss the youth's personal and educational goals and how they can achieve them.
Our mentors and mentees have worked incredibly hard throughout the year, so we've decided that a celebration is in order!
Please help us raise $2,000 to treat our youth and our volunteers to Educate Tomorrow's 1ST ANNUAL MENTOR/MENTEE CELEBRATORY LUNCHEON!