Why are Foster Youth Not Making it to College?
Melody McLaurin, 20, a student at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Ga., found the transition from high school to college extremely stressful. “When I was 18, I had to make all these adult decisions and I really didn’t feel prepared for it,” said McLaurin, who calls that period of time “my all-time low.” McLaurin is attending college with the help of the Educational Training Voucher (ETV) program, part of the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program, which helps current and former foster students pay for college, training or career school.
Meanwhile, her younger sister, Chelea McLaurin, 17, found a good fit at her third foster home. But as a result, she was transferred to a high school that was much less competitive and didn’t offer as many Advanced Placement and honors classes…
