Young people who age out of foster care have little resources to live on their own.
No Safety Net
Turning 18 is an age milestone celebrated with parties, family, and graduation. However, for young people in foster care, turning 18 means a secure safety net of benefits, like medical coverage and social services, disappears. About a third of the youth who age out in Colorado are homeless within three years. Local advocates are trying to change that. Correspondent Laura Chavez talks to a young woman who is thriving after leaving foster care, thanks to her mentors.
Diversity Showdown?
There are several lawsuits against programs designed to help minorities and/or encourage diversity. One of the lawsuits is against what’s called the Fearless Fund. It provides grants to businesses owned by Black women. Recently, an appeals court ruled against the organization and suspended its grant program. Soledad talks to one of the lawyers defending the venture capital firm, Alphonso David. He’s also the head of the Global Black Economic Forum.
Meet Wawa Gatheru
The 25-year-old is the founder and executive director of Black Girl Environmentalist. She’s also one of the newest members of the National Environmental Youth Advisory Council. It’s a first-of-its-kind committee with all 16 members between the ages of 16 and 29. In her own words, Wawa defines her mission as a climate activist dedicated to helping underserved communities.
We’re also talking about…
Listen before you dig. Engineers at Drexel University are working on innovative technology that can detect lead pipes underground by the sound waves they emit. We’ll show you how it works.
In digital exhibit, the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum is honoring women whose stories and contributions to history are rarely told. We’ll give you a tour.