Mayor Adams, ACS Commissioner Dannhauser Announce Expansion of Programs to Connect Youth in Foster Care to College for Free, Offer Coaches, and Careers, Celebrate Milestones in Serving New York City’s Youth

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Administration for Children’s Services Commissioner (ACS) Jess Dannhauser today announced plans to expand a number of key programs aimed at helping youth in foster care connect to college and future career opportunities, fulfilling another commitment in Mayor Adams’ 2025 State of the City address.

First, ACS’ Fair Futures program — which provides one-on-one coaching and tutoring, as well as a range of academic, career development, housing, and independent living for young people in foster care or in the juvenile justice system — is expanding from serving approximately 4,000 youth to approximately 6,000 youth, a 50 percent increase. Additionally, ACS’ College Choice program — which Mayor Adams launched in 2022 to provide college students in foster care with greater support systems, including financial support — is expanding from 430 youth to serve 530 youth. Finally, Career Choice is a new program that will provide financial assistance and a stipend to youth in foster care enrolled in a vocation, trade, or workforce development program in recognition of the fact that a traditional college pathway may not always meet the needs of all youth. Building off the success of College Choice, the new Career Choice program will connect young people in foster care who do not go to a two- or four-year college but are participating in vocational and job readiness training with financial and social support.

“As I often say, while we can’t change the price of bread, we can put bread in your pocket, and, by helping our most vulnerable — our young New Yorkers in foster care — access college and career opportunities, we are putting money back in the pockets of those who need it most: future generations of New Yorkers,” said Mayor Adams. “Our administration is committed to uplifting all children, including our young people living in foster care, and to do that, we must take into consideration all the circumstances of a young person’s life, from birth until after graduation. I am proud our administration is expanding the Fair Futures and College Choice programs, as well as launching Career Choice, to further serve young New Yorkers and ensure their futures are as bright as they are. This is all part of the $163-million investment we announced in this year’s State of the City address to reach 8,000 total participants across five ACS programs. Promises made, promises kept.”

“ACS is committed to making sure our young people in foster care have easy access to the tools they need to be successful,” said ACS Commissioner Dannhauser. “We are proud of the fact that, ever since we launched the Fair Futures and College Choice programs, more young people in foster care have had the opportunity to finish high school and attend college. Today, we’re taking that commitment one step further by expanding these programs and making sure that all young people, not just those who want to go to college, get the support they need to thrive. With the launch of Career Choice, we’re proud of the fact that we’ll be supporting our young people who are attending vocational and trade schools to pursue a range of meaningful and productive careers. All young people deserve our support and, when we deliver for them, they thrive and deliver for their communities.”

“Ensuring our young people in foster care or the justice system have access to programs that brighten their future, provide skills and wages, and promote healthy relationships is critical,” said New York City Department of Youth and Community Development Commissioner Keith Howard. “We are grateful for our partnership with ACS and will continue to work with them and our community partners to provide these kinds of opportunities for New York City youth.”

Today’s announcement works toward fulfilling commitments made in Mayor Adams’ 2025 State of the City address, supported by an investment of $163 million over five fiscal years to support five of its most successful programs — Fair Futures, College Choice, Career Choice, GirlsJustUs, and Assertive Community Engagement & Success — that engage at-risk youth and other young people; reach a total of 8,000 participants; and help connect more New York City youth with counseling, careers, college opportunities, and more.

New York City leads the nation in providing support to youth in foster care. All young people in foster care, ages 11 to 26, have access to a dedicated coach through the Fair Futures program. Due to the courageous and effective advocacy of youth in care, the program began in 2019 and was later expanded by the Adams administration to include young people involved in the juvenile justice system. Through this program, youth receive tutoring and coaching services through collaboration with the Center for Fair Futures and ACS foster care provider agencies. In Fiscal Year 2024, coaches working in partnership with New York City Public Schools helped the majority of 9th grade youth in foster care to enroll in high schools with above average graduation rates. They also helped 116 high school-age youth who dropped out of high school successfully re-engage and re-enroll in a best-fit academic setting. This first-of-its-kind program currently serves more than 4,000 young people. Today’s announcement means that an additional 2,000 youth will be able to be served.

In addition to Fair Futures, in 2022, the Adams administration launched College Choice. Through College Choice, young people in foster care attending a two-year or four-year college receive tuition and room and board assistance, as well as a daily stipend. The program had more than 400 students in the fall of 2024 — up from approximately 200 just two years ago. Approximately 66 percent of the youths coached in the ACS College Choice Program successfully completed the semester with a 2.0 + GPA, up from less than 50 percent before Fair Futures. With today’s announcement, the program will be expanded to serve over 500 students.

The new Career Choice program will support youth in foster care who are enrolled in a formal trade school program or a job and training skills development program. As part of the Career Choice program, ACS is also doubling the capacity of its participation in DYCD’s Advance and Earn program. Youth who participate in Career Choice will receive a stipend and other support, such as coaching, financial assistance for school or program fees, and financial support for housing if needed. Overall, the Career Choice program will serve approximately 400 youth.

“I am deeply grateful to the Adams administration for its steadfast commitment to young people in New York City’s foster care and juvenile justice systems,” said Tracy Jenkins, executive director, The Center for Fair Futures. “Bringing Fair Futures to scale is a monumental achievement that ensures every young person has access to the individualized coaching and tutoring they deserve across all 25 foster care and nine juvenile justice providers. With these supports, thousands of youth will not only achieve academic success but also build the skills and opportunities they need for careers and adulthood. We are proud of the progress made and remain committed to working with ACS, our 34 provider partners, and the community to ensure every young person from 9th grade through age 26 has the chance to thrive.”

“For nearly a decade, The Foundling has proudly supported young people in foster care as they pursue their dreams of attending college,” said Melanie Hartzog, president and CEO, TheNew York Foundling. “What began with 40 students attending select CUNY schools has grown into a transformative initiative serving more than 500 students at colleges and universities across the country – providing tutoring, financial support, and guidance as they navigate coursework and adjust to college life. We are grateful to the Adams administration for its investment in and expansion of College Choice, and we are honored to partner with the Administration for Children’s Services on this critical effort to help young people reach their full potential.”

“With the launch of Career Choice, New Yorkers for Children is honored to work alongside ACS to provide a greater array of vocational opportunities with wraparound services for youth in foster care to successfully make the transition to independent adulthood,” said Alan Yu, executive director, New Yorkers for Children. “We believe in walking with young people and supporting them as they plot out their individual futures, and Career Choice helps make that promise real.”

“Giving our youth the family, love, and sense of belonging they deserve will always be our first priority,” said Jeremy Kohomban, Ph.D., president and CEO, The Children’s Village. “Just as important is ensuring they have the mentorship, education, and opportunities to graduate high school and pursue a vocation they’re passionate about. The launch of Career Choice is truly a game changer for New York City’s youth.”

“I believe every young person deserves the chance to build a stable and fulfilling future, regardless of their circumstances," said New York State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky. "We are opening doors to opportunity for young, vulnerable people in foster care and ensuring they have the support, mentorship, and resources to succeed in college or the workforce. This investment in their potential is also an investment in the future of New York, one where every young person has the tools to learn, grow, and contribute to our communities.”

“Every young person in foster care deserves more than survival—they deserve dignity, opportunity, and a real shot at building a future of their own," said New York State Senator Robert Jackson. "Expanding Fair Futures, College Choice, and now launching Career Choice is not charity — it’s justice in action. It’s government doing what it must: turning compassion into policy, and policy into lifelong possibility. I commend this bold investment in our youth — ensuring that every path, whether academic or vocational, is not only open but supported. Because when we invest in young people, we invest in the very promise of New York.”

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