Only 3% of foster youth earn a four-year college degree. Many navigate college without financial stability or a consistent support network.
United Way California Capital Region’s Collegiate Guaranteed Income program helps remove those barriers by providing monthly financial support and connection to a caring community.
One of the students moving this statistic forward is Jeneses, a sociology major, a first-generation college student, and an aspiring special education teacher.
Finding Stability and a Fresh Start
For Jeneses, earning her degree carries deep meaning. “Going to college means everything to me. I’m the first one to graduate in my family, and it’s really inspiring to be the first one to do that.”
Her path has not been easy, and she reflects honestly on the challenges. “All the setbacks, all the tears, all the breakdowns. It means that I did it, and I get to start fresh.”
The guaranteed income provided through the program has helped her focus on school instead of struggling to cover basic needs. “Getting the guaranteed income has changed my life. It made me more positive and gave me a better outlook on life.”
The support she feels is just as important as the financial stability. “I didn’t really have anybody believing in me before. Now I have people reaching out, and people I can call on if I need to.”
Finding Purpose in the Classroom
While earning her degree, Jeneses works as a paraeducator supporting students with disabilities. The work has become a major source of purpose. “My favorite part is that the reward is so satisfying. Seeing them accomplish multiplication or division when people said they couldn’t do it is amazing.”
Moments like these strengthen her commitment to becoming a special education teacher. “Every single day they are doing something the world has told them not to.”
Growing, Healing, and Taking Up Space
Jeneses has also grown personally during her journey. She reflects on what she wishes she could tell her younger self. “I would tell myself to breathe and that everything is going to be okay. Everything works out the way it is supposed to.”
She encourages other foster youth to embrace who they are. “Take up space. Be loud, be vibrant, and be who you are. Somebody is going to love you. Somebody is going to believe in you.”
She hopes her story reminds others that support matters. “Every foster success story has someone who believed in them.”
A Future Filled With Possibility
Jeneses shares deep gratitude for the community that has supported her. “United Way is the biggest thank you. I didn’t think I would be sitting here.”
Her message is clear and full of hope. “We can dream. We can take up space. When you find your right community, you will soar.”
Links & Resources:
👉 Learn more about our collegiate guaranteed income work: Collegiate Guaranteed Income Program
👉 Learn more about Women United who help support this work: Women United