One hundred and seventy-three youth in foster care across Washington state were amongst this year’s graduating class who obtained their high school diploma or GED.
“Our young people often face stressors, instability, and struggles not of their making,” said Natalie Green, Assistant Secretary of Child Welfare for the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). “Despite these hurdles, they excelled and earned their diplomas along with their classmates. We are so proud of our 2026 graduates and look forward to their continued success.”
After graduating from high school or obtaining their GED, foster youth are eligible for the Education and Training Voucher program. The program offers money to eligible youth to attend an accredited college or vocational training program. Funds can be used for educational and living costs. This year more than nine students graduated from their post-secondary education programs this year.
The Career Connected Pathways is another way current foster youth and alumni can plan for the future. Services include exploring and planning for their career, help with job applications, cover letters and resumes, interview prep, and connections to employment programs.
When foster youth do not graduate from high school, they are disproportionately more likely to experience unemployment, poverty, homelessness, and incarceration. According to recent data, when a young person does not graduate from high school that costs over $600,000 in lost wages, tax revenue, and costly public services.
DCYF partners with Treehouse and the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OPSI) to support foster youth with their educational needs.
