‘Connect for Success’ program working to curb low foster youth graduation rate in Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - A local program is working to improve low graduation rates among foster children in the state of Colorado.

Data from the Colorado Department of Education reveals that kids in foster care have an on-time graduation rate of just 30%.

To improve that number, a "first of its kind" program called 'Connect for Success' has launched in the Colorado Springs area.

Connect for Success provides resources for educational success, but say they need your help to do so.

Kids Crossing is a statewide child placement agency that is headquartered in Colorado Springs.  

The agency launched Connect for Success to provide customized tutoring to the youth and collaborate with school districts to improve graduation rates. Rates that those working for the program call "dire" but students apart of the program say they have only learned from here.

"Being at Connect for Success actually helped me to know more on not to give. There's ways to overcome what you've been through, and there's ways to help you get back to where you want to be," 11th grader Keyerah Brochu said.

The program offers trauma-informed, human-centered educational support for kids in foster care.  

While medicaid funds a portion of the program, Kids Crossing is left to pick up the rest; something they say can really add up.

To help, Kids Crossing is putting on a fundraiser called Laughs for Learning; a comedy show where all the funds go towards providing resources and materials to the foster kids in need. 

Laughs for Learning takes place this Thursday Feb. 22 at the Loonees Comedy Corner.

Tickets and comedians attending can be found here.