Why Finishing High School Is Mission Critical for Students Aging Out of Foster Care

If there’s one thing I really want to stress to you as you're aging out of the foster care system, it's this: finish high school. Finish it well, finish it strong. I know it can feel tough sometimes, but trust me—this is your foundation, and it’s going to matter more than you might realize.

Why Is Finishing High School So Important?

I know this might sound obvious to some of you, but for a lot of us—especially in the foster care system—it’s not always that simple. Every year, over a million students in the U.S. don’t graduate from high school, and for youth aging out of foster care, that number jumps to about 50%.

Let me break it down for you:

• Without your high school diploma, you’re 12% more likely to be unemployed than other groups.

• Over your lifetime, you’ll earn a lot less money without that diploma or GED.

• Your overall quality of life—and even your health—can be seriously affected just because you didn’t finish school.

I know some of you might be thinking, “I’m just not good at school,” or “College isn’t for me.” And maybe that’s true. But here’s the thing—learning is for everyone. It’s about taking whatever next step you need, no matter how small, to move forward.

Overcoming Barriers to Learning

Life can be tough. Anxiety about school, relationship issues, finances, or even learning challenges like dyslexia, ADHD, or other obstacles can make finishing school feel impossible. But those things don’t have to stop you. I want you to hear this loud and clear:

You are not your past. You’ve got a purpose, and you have a future.

Yes, school might feel hard right now. But I want you to know—you’re capable of more than you realize. You’ve already made it this far, and that’s a huge deal. It means you’ve got strength that you might not even recognize.

Here’s the truth: The obstacles you face aren’t impossible to overcome. They might be tough, but you’ve got it in you to figure it out.

Finding Your Purpose

You’re here for a reason. I believe that with all my heart. God has something amazing planned for you. And it starts with realizing that you’re meant to do something great in this world. It’s a big responsibility, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. You don’t have to know exactly what your purpose is right this minute—but you can start by believing you’re here for a reason.

It’s not about having everything figured out all at once. It’s about being intentional, believing in yourself, and moving forward—one step at a time. Start small, keep moving forward, pray, and trust that you’ll find your way.

Practical Steps to Take Right Now

If you’re aging out of foster care in Texas, please make sure to visit your local transition center. They have education specialists who can help guide you and show you the next steps. If you’re in another state, there are probably similar resources available—don’t skip them!

Here’s what I recommend you do right now:

1. Finish High School – No Matter What

What’s your first step? Maybe it’s finishing your high school diploma, maybe it’s getting your GED. If you’ve moved around a lot and feel like you’ve missed school, did you know you can go to school online for free? It’s a great way to finish quickly—or at least on time.

While you're finishing school, I highly recommend looking into a certificate program. You could start learning a trade right now, and guess what? Your $5,000 through the ETV (Education and Training Voucher) will help pay for it—even while you're still in high school. It could mean the difference between working at a job that pays $12 an hour or becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and making $20 per hour.

I get it—this might feel like a lot, and you might be tempted to think, "But if I get a job, why keep going to school?" Here’s the thing: It’s easier to stay motivated in your studies if you have a goal. And those extra qualifications will always give you more options down the line.

Whatever your next step is, just pick something you feel good about, and don’t be afraid to ask someone at your local transition center for help.

2. Pray and Plan (If That’s Your Thing)

If you pray, ask God for guidance. You don’t have to have everything figured out right away. Talk to people you trust—family, friends, mentors—who know you well and can help you figure out what you might be good at. They can see things in you that you might not even recognize about yourself.

3. Take Assessments

Sometimes it’s hard to figure out what your next move should be. That’s where tools like placement tests or even StrengthsFinder can come in handy. They can help you figure out what you’re naturally good at and what might light you up. It’s a great starting point when you’re not sure where to go next.

4. Relax and Commit

Don’t overthink it. You don’t have to have your whole life figured out. Pick something, take action, and know that you can always adjust later. The most important thing is to just keep moving.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, finishing high school isn’t just about the diploma. It’s about giving yourself a solid foundation for everything that comes next. You’ve been through a lot, but you’re stronger than you know. And you’ve got everything it takes to succeed.

I want you to remember this: You’re here for a reason, and the world needs what only you can offer. The first step to unlocking that future is finishing high school. You’ve got this!