Our Programs
We work to enroll older and aged out of care youth in college, support them through graduation, and help them gain the skills needed to enter the workforce.
We do this by providing direct academic scholarship programs, innovative pilots, youth development events, wraparound supports, and emergency funding as needed.
Find out more about our programs below.
NYFC Direct Scholarships
The Back To School
Package Program
If you’re a youth currently in foster care or have aged out of foster care in New York City and enrolled in college or an accredited vocational program, the Back-To-School Package Program provides two stipends per year for incidentals, and a laptop computer equipped with antivirus software. Eligible students can receive a package every semester they are enrolled in school for up to 10 semesters or age 26.
The Nicholas Scoppetta
Scholarship Program
For youth aging out of foster care and starting a post-secondary program, The Nick’s Scholars Program provides services in the form of financial, academic, and emotional support to help students transition and graduate.
Nick’s Scholars belong to a larger community where they can build relationships with other Scholars and adult mentors to support them on their path to a college degree.
For up to 5 years, Scholars receive:
- Academic Advisement
- Tutoring
- Peer to peer mentoring
- Career Exploration
- Networking opportunities
- $500 – $750 per month for living expenses
- $1000 – $1,200 per year for textbooks
- Up to $1000 per year for tuition
- A $500 move-in allowance
The Spirit Award
Our Spirit Award is granted to youth who have achieved academic success, demonstrated a willingness to think beyond themselves, shown resilience in the face of challenges, and gained a new sense of self-awareness because of the obstacles they have had to overcome.
The Spirit Award ranges from $2,500 up to $10,000 in scholarships each year to three individuals.
The Financial
Empowerment Fund
This fund aims to help college students ease the financial burden of pursuing their education. Each scholarship recipient will meet with a Financial Coach – provided by First Republic Bank – once per semester, where they will receive instruction on navigating student loan debt and learn how to establish credit.
Up to five students will be selected for this scholarship and will receive up to $5,000 based on academic merit and financial need.
Emergency Funds
Announcement: We are currently only able to take applications for Emergency Funds from youth who are aged out of care and not in school, and youth who are aged out of care and in school. If you are not eligible and still need assistance, please email [email protected].
Announcement: If you are a youth who has aged out and previously applied for support through our Emergency Funds Program and are still in need, we encourage you to reapply. Each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. On your application, make sure to give a detailed account of your needs and attach all supporting documentation.
NYFC has 4 available emergency grants designed to provide emergency support for individuals who fall under the following categories:
- Youth who are aged out of NYC foster care, between the ages of 18-26, and are not currently enrolled in college or an accredited vocational program
- Youth who are currently in foster care in NYC and are currently enrolled in college or an accredited vocational program
- Youth who are aged out of NYC foster care, ages 18-26, and are currently enrolled in college or an accredited vocational program
- Youth who are currently in foster care in NYC and are not enrolled in college or an accredited vocational program
NYFC will generally fulfill requests to cover emergencies such as:
- Overdue rent or emergency housing assistance
- Overdue utility bills
- Medical and dental bills for uninsured necessary procedures
- Transportation
- Books and school supplies
- Support for groceries and food
- Cleaning supplies
- Technology support for remote work and learning
- Baby food, formula, and diapers
- Other items at the discretion of the committee
New Yorkers For Children will generally not fund requests for:
- Legal representation in criminal or civil proceeding
- Youth who have been compensated through another NYFC Fund
Signature
Non-Scholarships Programs
The Youth Advisory Board & Peer Mentorship
The Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is a peer leadership initiative where youth meet monthly to create community, fight stigma, advocate for change, and educate the public about NYFC programming and resources.
In 2019, NYFC partnered with NASPA to deliver the three-day Peer-to-Peer Training Program, which provides participants with concrete training on life skills, soft skills, creating healthy relationships, and academics.
YAB is open to youth in or aged out of NYC foster care, ages 15-26.
For more information email [email protected] and follow us on Instagram at @YABNewYorkersForChildren
Network To Success
Since 2003, the goal of Network to Success (NTS) has been to expose youth ages 15-26 in the wider NYC foster care community to a variety of careers, related educational prerequisites, and skills needed to successfully enter the workforce from an empowered position.
This event brings together NYFC’s Board of Directors, donors, corporate partners, and other volunteers to share their career expertise and engage in meaningful ways with youth.
The event consists of a panel of experts across various fields, a Q & A, and one-on-one activity stations where volunteers work with youth on skills such as resume writing, interviewing, personal branding, and more. NYFC also holds several smaller NTS events throughout the year for our scholars.
For more information, email [email protected]
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