Graduates with gratitude: FBL’s youth look back as they move ahead

Graduation is always a reason for celebration. Although it is often bittersweet, the twinge of sadness is outweighed by the joy of reaching a major milestone in life, and by the excitement of what lies ahead.

For our sponsored youth, who began their young lives with so many disadvantages and pitfalls, graduation from FBL’s program is truly a big deal. Thanks to the support of their sponsors, as well as the perseverance and commitment of their families and the graduates themselves, youth are equipped with the education, skills, and knowledge they need to become self-reliant adults.

Many of these sponsorship graduates have the opportunity to participate in Into Employment®, The Foundation for A Better Life’s workforce development program. Into Employment extends the ripple started through sponsorship by helping young people find sustainable, long-term and successful careers in their local job markets. Through a college education or technical training, Into Employment participants transform their aspirations into results. Combined with career coaching, financial and life-skills education and job-placement support, youth are equipped with the tools they need to lift themselves and their families out of poverty — and elevate their communities.

Stepping out into the world with hope and confidence, their futures look much brighter, and much different, thanks to the advantages and opportunities sponsorship provides. Each FBL graduate has their own success story about the obstacles they overcame to get this far.