A city initiative is helping young people in foster care pursue higher education with long-term mentorship and financial support.

Jamal Johnson, 19, is studying at SUNY Morrisville and building video games as part of his coursework. He credits his success to the Fair Futures program and his coach, Gisele Doucet, who has mentored him for years.

“She was the one who introduced me to it,” Johnson said. “College leveled up my game.”

Fair Futures is a youth-centered model from NYC’s Administration for Children’s Services that provides one-on-one coaching, tutoring and life skills support to foster youth from middle school through age 26. Over 4,300 young people are currently receiving services from more than 500 staff across 35 programs.

Programming includes financial literacy, helping students get driver's licenses and debit cards, as well as applying for student aid and learning to network.

“She’s the main person I want to show my work to,” Johnson said. “It really took some time, some pushes, some pop-ups from her to keep me on track.”

Doucet also helped Johnson apply to the College Choice program, which covers up to $15,000 in tuition annually, plus room and board not covered by financial aid. Students also receive a $60 daily stipend for essentials like food and transportation.

“I wasn’t always motivated,” Johnson said. “I just got to appreciate her.”

ACS Commissioner Jess Dannhauser says the goal is to stick with students through college and beyond. “This year, over Brooklyn 1,000 students have benefited from this program,” he said. “We want them to get all the way to their goals.”

With more than 100 coaches in Brooklyn alone, ACS hopes foster youth know their futures are bright.

“I tell them I love them and I’m proud of them,” said one coach. “Because they deserve to know.”

To see if you or your child qualify, click here.

Fair Futures is a youth-centered model from NYC’s Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) that provides one-on-one coaching, tutoring and life skills support to foster youth from middle school through age 26. ACS contracts with nonprofit agencies across the city to provide these services. Over 4,300 young people, including Jamal, are currently receiving services from more than 500 staff across 35 programs. Jamal's coach, Gisele, is employed by SCO Family of Services.