Frequently Asked Questions

We ask that the primary mission be to provide mentors for current or former foster youth. Foster youth however encompasses several different meanings. Foster youth are children being "fostered" by anyone other than their natural parents. Other terms include: Dependent Youth, Relative-Care Youth, Transitioning Youth. We understand that there are many people with similar needs in the community, and as it is our goal for all disadvantaged people to attain higher education, we encourage helping all youth, however the priority and primary mission should be to serve former and current foster youth.

Each community will need to establish an individual goal plan as to how many youth they plan to serve and the size of the region they will serve. The community will also need to determine if certain costs such as rent for office space, or materials can be donated in-kind from other community resources. While we understand that a community may have the passion to start a program, it is important for sustainability of the program to see a demonstrate a commitment of at least 50 identified youth to serve and the ability to secure $150,000 in the first year.

Step by step coaching, training and technical assistance during implementation of the program, including the comprehensive curriculum for the three part holistic approach. On going support will include a web-based membership zone that is a forum for all affiliates to share lessons, strategies and updates on curriculum, as well as, on going access to a warehouse of program materials and resources. An affiliate will also benefit from the branding, outreach, and fundraising done by all partners. Administrative support, evaluation, on going program support is also available.

Yes, each region will have their own leadership team that will be responsible for oversight and fundraising for their affiliate site. These regional boards will be tied into the national board with shared participation by a board member to the national board.

This number will be determined by the number of youth targeted to serve. However, for every 50 youth the model dictates that there be one Educational Mentoring Specialist to facilitate the holistic program. However, at start up we understand the need for a person to also coordinate the development of the program. Therefore our recommendation is to begin a program with an administrative director and an Educational Mentoring Specialist. If it is not possible to hire two people in the beginning, we recommend starting with just twenty youth as to allow ample time for administrative details, community coordination, and fundraising.