Joey Logano Foundation Awards $100K For Aged Out Foster Care Programs

The Joey Logano Foundation gave a $100,000 grant to Youth Villages in North Carolina. The money helps kids moving from foster care into grown-up life. It will boost LifeSet and Scholars programs for those who need them most.

NASCAR champion Joey Logano started the foundation. Its goal? Give second chances to kids and young adults during hard times. Since 2016, when they teamed up with Youth Villages, they've handed over more than $900,000 to help foster kids across the state.

"We want to see youth who have been through the foster care system have a healthy chance at living independently and embarking on a path to a bright future," said Brittany Logano, founding vice chairman of the foundation and wife of Joey Logano, in a press release. "That is exactly what they receive with Youth Villages' Scholars program."

LifeSet helps kids move from foster care into adult life through one-on-one work. Specialists team up with participants to find safe housing, build connections, and meet school and job goals.

Scholars builds on LifeSet by helping those enrolled in college or job training. They get monthly checks, computers, school supplies, and other things they need. Staff and mentors guide them too.

Erica Ellis directs development for Youth Villages in North Carolina. She said the grant keeps those checks and support systems running. Last year, they helped over 800 young adults through LifeSet statewide, with more than 40 students in Scholars.

The numbers tell a tough story. Only about 13% of young adults aging out of foster care across the country finish their college plans, Ellis said.

Yet Youth Villages reports around 48% of its scholars finish their degrees. This proves what steady, long-term help can do.

Leo Ma is 19 and studies supply chain management at UNC Charlotte. He's one student the program has helped. After aging out of foster care, Ma got a full ride from NC Reach.

Ma later linked up with Youth Villages, which he credits for backing his studies and helping him find housing and other basics. "I think it's very important to have programs that extend into the adult life of someone who ages out of foster care," Ma said.