The County of Los Angeles has more than 32,000 youth in the foster care system. That's not a typo. Los Angeles has more foster youth than the next highest STATE population, NY.
50% of foster youth will be homeless, incarcerated, and/or institutionalized upon leaving the foster care system.
42% of foster youth will not graduate high school
Only 3% of Foster Youth go to college.
Because they are changing plaements so often, Foster youth can attend anywhere from 7-20 schools while in care.
The Academy Project (TAP) was born from the principle that keeping school as a point of stability can significantly help foster children succeed educationally while providing the opportunity to form strong relationships with peers and caring adults. The Academy Project will provide 7th and 8th grade foster youth in Los Angeles, holistic individual support and an education based on an innovative, full time, alternative engagement model, ensuring each child fully realizes his/her inherent potential.
Beginning with the Class of 2020, TAP provides an innovative, year-round, after-school alternative education engagement model starting with 20 participating foster youth. Students are guaranteed continued enrollment through to the completion of 8th grade regardless of placement changes.
Engagement begins prior to the start of the school year with CAMP XAVIER, our 2 week summer day camp that culminates in a week-long sleep away program partnered with UCLA Unicamp.
