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Post-Secondary Educational Aspirations Among Young Adults With Foster Care Experience: A Focus on Vocational Education

NCJ Number
310923
Author(s)
Mary Elizabeth Collins; Heather Taussig
Date Published
June 2025
Abstract

Post-secondary educational outcomes for young people with care experience are poor. Studies have typically been limited to those who have aged out of care and have typically examined college/university attendance. Non-college educational options have potential for gaining credentials to secure productive employment, but these options have received less investigation. Using data from the Fostering Healthy Futures (FHF) study, which included a broader range of care-experienced young people (not just those who aged out), this study describes post-secondary educational aspirations and plans in young adulthood with a specific focus on vocational education. We provide descriptive findings on young adults' educational and career goals, plans for achieving those goals and intent to apply and attend post-secondary vocational education. Findings identify a range of planned paths, a significant percentage of which are vocationally focused, and the importance of work to many respondents. The findings offer implications for better supporting the care-experienced population in achieving their educational and career goals.

(Publisher abstract provided.)