Post-Secondary Educational Outcomes for Young People with Care Experience Are Poor

Strategic Insights -

Young people with care experience often face poor post-secondary educational outcomes, according to a recent study from Boston University. The research focused on vocational education options for this population, which have received less investigation compared to college/university attendance. The study, supported by the NIH National Institute of Mental Health, analyzed data from the Fostering Healthy Futures (FHF) study and found that a significant percentage of care-experienced young adults have vocationally focused educational and career plans.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study highlights the poor post-secondary educational outcomes for young people with care experience, with a focus on vocational education options.
  • The research emphasizes the importance of work for many respondents and the need for better support in achieving their educational and career goals.
  • The study provides descriptive findings on young adults' educational and career goals, plans for achieving those goals, and intent to apply and attend post-secondary vocational education.
  • The Fostering Healthy Futures (FHF) study data suggests that a range of planned paths are available to care-experienced young people, with a significant percentage of these paths being vocationally focused.
  • The study highlights the need for further investigation into non-college educational options, such as vocational education, to support the care-experienced population in achieving their educational and career goals.
  • The findings of the study have implications for better supporting the care-experienced population in achieving their educational and career goals.

The Fostering Healthy Futures (FHF) study, which included a broader range of care-experienced young people, provides a unique perspective on post-secondary educational aspirations and plans in young adulthood. The study's lead author, Mary Elizabeth Collins from Boston University, emphasized the importance of vocational education options for this population.

Statistics:

  • According to the study, a significant percentage of care-experienced young adults have vocationally focused educational and career plans.
  • The Fostering Healthy Futures (FHF) study involved a broader range of care-experienced young people, including those who have not aged out of care.
  • The study found that a range of planned paths are available to care-experienced young people, with a significant percentage of these paths being vocationally focused.
  • The study highlighted the importance of work for many respondents, with a significant number of care-experienced young adults intending to pursue vocational education.
  • The research emphasized the need for better support in achieving educational and career goals for care-experienced young people.

Sources:

  • Post-secondary Educational Aspirations Among Young Adults With Foster Care Experience: a Focus On Vocational Education. Child & Family Social Work, 2025.
  • NewsRx. Studies from Boston University Reveal New Findings on Pediatrics (Post-secondary Educational Aspirations Among Young Adults With Foster Care Experience: a Focus On Vocational Education). Education Letter. July 9, 2025; p 806.