Around WakeTech
Former Foster Youth Celebrate Early Thanksgiving
RALEIGH, N.C. (November 11, 2016) - Thanksgiving arrived early for students in Wake Tech’s Fostering Bright Futures program! These students were formerly in foster care and are now in college and on their way to earning college degrees. They enjoyed a Thanksgiving luncheon today at Butterball, LLC in Garner.
The students helped prepare the meal – turkey, of course, and all the trimmings – alongside Anthony Seta, Certified Master Chef and Director of Culinary Service for Butterball. Chef Seta also shared culinary tips with the students, from prep to plate!
“Today’s luncheon was fantastic!” says Michelle Blackmon, Project Coordinator for Fostering Bright Futures. “Many of these students would not have had a Thanksgiving meal without this special event. They enjoyed fabulous food and fellowship, and they really enjoyed cooking with Chef Seta and learning from him.”
Fostering Bright Futures is a public-private partnership that provides tutoring, mentoring, and financial support to help former foster youth pursue higher education. The program has helped many young adults beat considerable odds and lead happier and more productive lives.
Fostering Bright Futures started in 2008 to help former foster care youth earn degrees from Wake Tech by providing academic and financial support. Currently, there are 11 students in the program. So far, seven students have earned an associate’s degree: Five have transferred to universities, and two are working in their field of study (dental assisting and plumbing). Three students are expected to graduate in December. Less than 3 percent of youth aging out of foster care attend college and graduate
