May is Foster Care Awareness Month.

The statistics surrounding former foster youth are hard to ignore:

• By age 21, 50% are unemployed or underemployed

• Only 4% will earn a college degree

• Just 1% will complete graduate school

• 1 in 4 will face homelessness or involvement with the justice system after aging out of care

These numbers reflect the challenges former foster youth face from the transition to adulthood without the community, resources, and support that their peers typically have access to.

‍You are changing that narrative.

Through the 4-year RTS Career Accelerator Program, Scholars gain access to 1:1 career coaching, networking events, career-track opportunities, financial support, and mental health resources. The results speak for themselves:

• 100% graduation rate within 6 years

• 84% of graduating Scholars placed into career-track jobs within 12 months of graduation

• 17 graduate school acceptances

When former foster youth have access to the right mentors, resources, and opportunities — they don't just survive. They thrive. And it's all thanks to you.

Looking Ahead: 2026 Camp Ready

Later this month, Ready to Succeed will welcome its newest cohort of incoming Scholars.

Their journey begins with Camp Ready — an overnight bootcamp where Scholars workshop their resumes, sharpen their professional pitch, and, perhaps most importantly, connect with the community of fellow Scholars, Alumni, Staff, and volunteer professionals who will walk alongside them as their careers take shape.

Of course, a strong resume and professional connections are only part of the equation.In today's competitive job market, real-world experience can make all the difference.

That's why internship opportunities are one of the most powerful ways to set an RTS Scholar apart.

‍Could your organization provide that crucial experience for former foster youth?

Ring the Bell for RTS Scholar Bailey!

Congratulations to Bailey, an RTS Scholar and CSUN Class of '25, who was recently accepted into the Master of Social Work program at Cal State Northridge!

For many Scholars, traditional financial aid typically doesn't extend to graduate programs, making the cost a big hurdle. That's where RTS's Graduate School Pathways Program (GSPP) comes in. With the help of supporters like you, the question for former foster youth is no longer can I afford this? — it's which program do I want to attend?

Want to support graduate school hopefuls like Bailey?

May Community Event Recap

Last week, in honor of Foster Care Awareness Month, Ready to Succeed brought together Scholars, past and present, for a night of food, fun, and friendly competition at BJ's Brewhouse and Activate in Culver City.

For many former foster youth, opportunities to connect with a community of peers are few and far between. Your continued support creates the space for Scholars to simply enjoy being surrounded by friends.

Want to continue providing connection and improved wellness for former foster youth?

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With Care,

Pat and Romi

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