FosterED Connection was founded by Charitie Carpenter, whose connection to this work is deeply personal. Having entered foster care before the age of two, Charitie experienced firsthand the uncertainty, transitions, and instability that many youth in foster care navigate every day. Through those experiences, she saw how easily young people can become disconnected from opportunities, relationships, and support systems—and she became committed to creating something different.

FosterED Connection was built on the belief that transitioning into adulthood should not mean losing support.

Our organization exists to walk alongside youth before, during, and after they leave care—helping them prepare for adulthood with the guidance, relationships, and practical tools needed to build stable and fulfilling futures. Through educational support, life skills development, mentorship, transition planning, and consistent connection, we help youth navigate the critical years between adolescence and independence.

We recognize that successful transitions do not happen overnight. Youth need support before age 18 to build confidence and prepare for what comes next, and they need continued connection afterward as they pursue education, employment, housing stability, and personal goals.

In Washoe County, more than 600 youth are in foster care on average at any given time. While local graduation rates remain strong overall, foster youth continue to face significant educational barriers and are 2.5 times more likely to drop out of high school than their peers. These outcomes reflect a larger challenge: too many youth are expected to enter adulthood without the preparation, resources, and support systems needed to succeed.

FosterED Connection exists to close that gap—ensuring youth leave care with more than documents and deadlines. We want every young person to leave with a plan, practical life skills, meaningful relationships, and the confidence to build the future they deserve.