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Students in the Foster System

AFC’s Project Achieve works to ensure children in the foster system can access a quality education. We partner with child welfare agencies to secure needed services for students, provide education advocacy to students struggling in school, and fight for policy reforms.

Project Achieve has two innovative programs that support youth in the foster system: our original model brings AFC staff onsite to select foster care agencies where we build agency capacity to identify and meet students’ educational needs. Our Education Collaborative brings staff from all New York City foster care agencies together for monthly meetings where we share information and resources, host speakers, and discuss best practices for supporting students in the foster system.

Project Achieve also provides regular training and technical assistance to foster care agency staff funded through NYC’s Fair Futures Initiative, and we offer workshops to parents, foster parents, youth, and educators on the unique rights and needs of students in the foster system.

  • Meet our team

    Erika Palmer

    Project Director (she/her)

    Michael Arrington

    Staff Attorney and Education Collaborative Manager (he/him)

    Michelle Eaton

    Senior Education Specialist (she/her)

    Pamela Mendez

    Staff Attorney (she/her)

  • Eric's Story

    "Eric is doing so well. A month ago he turned to me and said, 'I can’t believe I’m really in college. I never thought I’d get this far.' I can never thank you enough for everything Advocates did on Eric’s behalf. Not a day goes by when I don’t think about what saviors you were for him."

  • Ashley's Story

    AFC helped Ashley enroll in a transfer school for older students that was close to her shelter, a school that could provide the small, supportive environment Ashley needed to ensure she didn’t fall through the cracks due to instability at home

The Latest


Guides, tip sheets, and educational resources

Webinars, workshops, and trainings

AFC provides free workshops and trainings for parents, students, and professionals