This grant is part of SDF’s broader $4 million Community Scholars initiative.

Big news for foster youth in San Diego! Just in Time for Foster Youth (JIT) and The Ed Ladder have received a generous $150,000 annual grant from the San Diego Foundation (SDF) to help young people in foster care get to and through college.

For many, transitioning out of foster care at 18 is overwhelming. Without a strong support system, higher education can feel out of reach. That’s where JIT and The Ed Ladder step in, making sure these students don’t just get into college, but actually thrive and graduate. 

This grant is part of SDF’s broader $4 million Community Scholars initiative, which is dedicated to improving educational outcomes for high school students facing extra challenges—whether that’s homelessness, foster care, or learning English as a second language. The numbers show why this is so important: while 84.6% of San Diego County students graduate high school, that number drops to just 49.8% for foster youth. That gap is exactly what JIT and The Ed Ladder are working to close. 

With this funding, JIT will continue to provide essential tools like laptops, printers, and scholarships, as well as financial support for unpaid internships. But beyond the practical resources, they also build a community—one where foster youth feel seen, supported, and empowered. Meanwhile, The Ed Ladder will help younger foster students build the academic skills they need, then connect them to JIT when they turn 18. 

This collaboration is about more than just money; it’s about ensuring every young person, no matter their background, has the chance to build a bright future. Huge thanks to the San Diego Foundation for investing in these students’ success! 

Thank you, San Diego Foundation, for believing in the youth we serve!