What is it? — The Celebration of Excellence is a statewide annual graduation event and scholarship program designed to recognize the academic achievements of youth in the Georgia foster care system who are graduating from high school, GED programs, vocational school, or college. The event includes a formal awards ceremony much like a commencement exercise, with celebrity presenters and guests, notable speakers, and a social gathering with food and entertainment. Graduates receive certificates of recognition for their outstanding achievements and graduation gifts.

Why do we do it? — In the words of one of our own students: “Celebration of Excellence shows the kids that somebody actually cares. It’s just human kindness, but when you’ve been through what we’ve been through, human kindness is huge.”  Children in foster care have unique needs for educational support. On the national average only 50% of foster youth finish high school. Many have been in foster care for all or most of their lives, increasing the risk of poor outcomes due to a lack of a stable family environment that promotes education, teaches daily living skills, and encourages attendance in school. Some youth have been moved from placement to placement, often resulting in multiple school changes, a loss in credits, and a lack of educational stability. This creates an incredible emotional burden on an adolescent on top of all the educational ramifications. Despite the odds, remarkable and determined young people overcome these challenges and graduate from high school. Many have aspirations to continue on to college, but they have limited financial means to realize post-secondary education goals. Some of the most disturbing national statistics regarding youth in foster care could be remedied by a solid college education and community support from programs like Celebration of Excellence.