Across the United States, 52% of foster care youth attend schools that rank in the lowest 30 percent. Only 50% will receive a high school diploma. Only 10% of former foster youth will attend college and, of that 10%, only 3% will graduate.

 Stephenville there is one foster home: Sherwood and Myrtie’s Foster’s Home for Children. Chief Operating Officer, David Asbill explains the process and standards that affect the children in temporary living situations.

  In Asbill’s opinion students should have, “At least a 3.3 GPA for completely free college, and in addition, no suspensions or legal problems.”

  As an organization that depends on donation and government-funding, the foster home is not able to pay for many of the luxuries that many regard as a given, such as college.

  “We are not able to cover the costs of everything, but we cover external college costs, such as living expenses and books. We also help them with opportunities to get scholarships,” said Asbill.

  There are some children that are placed by Child Protective Services (CPS) in temporary living situations.

  “Depending on where the child is enrolled, and if they’re meeting all the requirements, it’s up to CPS workers to decide whether they get help with their college or not,” said Asbill. If a child gets involved with illegal things such as a felony, that’s monumental. That’s where I, and most others, draw the line.”

  Not everyone’s strong suit is in academics, so Asbill comes up with ways to help support foster care children if they aren’t fully able to get an academic scholarship.

  “Sherwood and Myrtie’s helps pay for things in the child’s future that’s not necessarily academically related. We had a kid that just graduated, and we’re helping them pay for their training at the job corps,” said Asbill.

    Asbill believes that this is a good idea and fully supports this.

  “ Especially if the child is trying to put in the effort to change their situation to become a responsible young adult.” said Asbill.

  Asbill has advice for the people who don’t agree with foster care students earning free tuition for  college.’

  “ It’s better we have an adult population where more people are working and paying for college, rather than paying for people in jail,” said Asbill.

 Some people agree with the idea of foster care students earning free tuition for  college.

  “ I would encourage for the people who support this idea, to find ways to help and support the children, whether it be loans, groceries, paying for their internet, or any related things,” said Asbill.

  For the people who aren’t entirely convinced for either side, Asbill gives this advice: “Research statistics and data that’s provided by the state by people who have done well and not so well in life that have come from a temporary living situation. ”

 While his job isn’t easy, Asbill explains why he works in foster care.

  “It was God’s plan. I have to give him all the credit. People who have experienced trauma can often help and relate to children who have also experienced trauma,” said Asbill.