The Strategies for Success program is CMCS’ educational advocacy program for children in our foster care programs. Foster care youth face unique educational challenges and obstacles that leave them at an unfortunate disadvantage compared to their peers not enrolled in foster care.
Studies have shown that compared to the general school population, children in foster care have poorer overall educational outcomes. They are less likely to perform at grade level, are more likely to have behavior and discipline problems, have poorer attendance rates, are more likely to be classified in special education classes, and are less likely to attend college.
In addition to suffering from the traumatic impact of foster care, our children are also subject to placement in many of the poorer performing schools which are not equipped to provide the individual guidance that our children need.
We aim to interrupt this cycle of poor academic performance and provide positive alternatives, creating motivation to succeed in school and building self-esteem. The overall goal of our program is to increase the success that our students experience in school to be measured ultimately by increased high school graduation rates and enrollment in college or vocational schools. We conduct workshops and create individual customized educational plans, assisting youth by establishing goals, and then by supporting them in achieving them, with the aim of ultimately bringing them to academic success.
The Strategies for Success Program is further strengthened by our continued partnership with the organization Advocates for Children (AFC). AFC’s mission is to ensure equal access to a quality public education for all of New York City’s children, especially those at greatest risk of school discrimination and academic failure.
