Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Funds Significant Expansion of Support Program for Former Foster Youth

Fostering Bright Futures (FBF) provides academic, social, and financial support to former foster youth pursuing a college education. Now, thanks to a major gift from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), the program will be able to double in scope. Blue Cross NC will donate $346,500 to the program over the next three years, to help students who have “aged out” of the foster care system. Currently, there are 30 students in Fostering Bright Futures. The gift will allow the program to serve 60 and to expand core program components.  

Nationwide statistics show that only three-percent of former foster youth are successful in obtaining a college degree by age 25. 

“I cannot overstate the impact of this generous gift,” says Matt Smith, Executive Director of the Wake Tech Foundation, “or how grateful we are. This support will literally change the lives of some very deserving young men and women facing incredible odds.” 

“Blue Cross NC recognizes that access to higher education plays a vital role in creating opportunities for more rewarding, fulfilling lives, and this is particularly true for former foster youth and their families,” said Jesse Thomas, VP of the Medicaid Segment for Blue Cross NC. “We’re appreciative of the positive impact Fostering Bright Futures is having on our community, and we’re proud to support them in their efforts.”