NextChapter
On their 18th birthday, 15,000+ foster youth lose their safety net. NextChapter makes sure they don't face what comes next alone.
What Happens at 18
In most states, when a foster youth turns 18, the system stops. No more caseworker. No more placement. No more safety net. They're legally adults, but many have never had the family support that most young people take for granted — someone to co-sign a lease, help with a college application, or answer the phone at 2 AM when things go wrong.
The outcomes are devastating. Within a few years of aging out, . Up to . Only , compared to 28% of the general population. And each youth who ages out without a permanent family costs taxpayers over their lifetime in public services.
NextChapter intervenes before the cliff. We connect young adults with mentors, housing resources, career training, and educational grants — because every young person deserves a solid foundation, not a free fall.
The Evidence: Mentorship Works
Long-term mentorship programs like Friends of the Children report that , , and — outcomes that contrast sharply with the general aging-out population. When young people have at least one stable, committed adult in their corner, the trajectory changes dramatically.
Mentorship Connections
Every young person needs at least one stable adult in their corner. We connect youth with dedicated mentors who provide guidance, accountability, and a relationship that doesn’t expire on their 18th birthday.
Housing Resources
22–30% of youth who age out become homeless within their first few years. NextChapter helps young adults find stable, affordable housing and navigate the rental process before they’re on the street.
Career Workshops
Resume building, interview skills, financial literacy, and career pathways. Practical workshops that prepare young adults for employment and economic independence.
Educational Grants
Only 3–4% of former foster youth earn a college degree. We connect youth with scholarships, grants, and educational resources to close that gap and build a foundation for the future.
Interested in NextChapter?
Whether you want to mentor, donate, volunteer, or partner with us to expand NextChapter — we want to hear from you.
A Young Person Who Ages Out Is More Likely to Be Homeless Than to Earn a Degree
That's not acceptable. Your support provides mentorship, housing resources, and career training for foster youth who have no one else in their corner.