How can Interior Design improve the educational environment of Foster Care Youths?
This was my question.
There are over 400,000 children in the foster care system in America, and 75% of them are functioning below their current grade level. Only 2% ever attain their bachelors degree. 50% end up homeless within a year of aging-out of the system. But why? Further investigation showed that children living in foster homes move a lot. About every 6 to 8 months. And studies have shown that children lose 6 months of educational progress every time they are moved into a new home. With these tidbits of information it is easier to understand why foster care youths have such a difficult time in school. It seems that the cards are stacked against them. What could we do as interior designers to give them a brighter outlook on life? How can we improve their education?
