It is fair to say that children in foster care have it tough. But until recently, they also faced a hurdle that many people may not think about.

The challenges come when they "age out" of the foster care system at age 18, and suddenly they are on their own. Some of these young adults would like to go to college, but most can't afford it. Now a brand new program could help them plan a better future.

Nineteen-year-old Slade Martin feels pretty good about finishing up his first year at UAA. It wasn't easy after 12 years in foster care. He found he had few resources and few options once he turned 18.

"Well, I haven't had anyone help me out since I got out of custody. So it's been a really big learning experience, like loans and rent and a whole bunch of different things. So I was kind of nervous about having to take out a loan," said former foster child, Martin.

The fact that Martin is in college is unusual. Most foster kids don't get the chance. Amanda Metvier is another exception. She's about to graduate, but she says it's definitely tough for kids on their own.

"A lot of our young people do lose hope, especially as they age out of the system. Because they have all these other factors weighing in on them like, 'Where am I going to live? What if something happens?' There's no adult to fall back on. There's no support. I'm just kind of on my own," said former foster child, Metvier.

Both Martin and Metvier wish there had been more help for them when they got out of high school; and now there is. A new program sponsored by the state called Aspire. It stands for Alaskan Youth Succeed When People Invest Resources in Education. The program allows anyone to put money in a special savings account that will directly benefit a foster child.

"It allows them to attend college anywhere in the United States, or even outside the United States, or a training program of their choice. And it also pays for educational-related expenses. So it's not

just tuition and board, but other educational expenses as well," said Stephanie Wheeler of Alaska Health and Human Services.

The program is brand new, but workers are hoping it will appeal to community organizations, businesses, church groups—anyone who wants to help a foster child succeed by investing in their future

The money will be monitored to make sure that it is being spent appropriately. Any group or individual can take part in the ASPIRE program to sponsor a foster child's education. If you'd like more information, you'll find contact numbers below:

Juneau Office: 907-456-6817
Anchorage Office: 907-269-7398

To contact Lauren, call 907-273-3186.