At KVC West Virginia, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed, no matter the circumstances they face. That’s why we created EDIFY — a unique program designed to support youth KVC serves in foster care, specifically in grades 3-7. With over 20 years of experience in child welfare and mental health, KVC is committed to providing academic support, life skills training, and mentorship for youth in foster care to help them thrive both in school and in life.

What is EDIFY?

EDIFY (Early Development of Informed Foster Youth) helps youth in foster care develop the skills they need to succeed in school, explore their personal interests, and confidently transition into high school and then adulthood. Many youth in foster care face barriers such as frequent school changes and emotional trauma that can make it hard to stay on track academically. Mentorship for youth in foster care is a key component of EDIFY, offering guidance and support from individuals who have experienced similar challenges and can relate to their journey.

EDIFY was created to combat these challenges by providing individualized support, academic tutoring, and important life skills and lessons. Through this program, students not only work to improve their grades but also learn to advocate for themselves and prepare for life beyond foster care.

Benefits of EDIFY & Mentorship Support

Our goal is to prepare youth in foster care for success, both during and after their time in foster care. We focus on:

• Academic empowerment: Students receive one-on-one tutoring and group support to improve their grades, reading comprehension and overall academic performance. With personalized learning strategies, students take ownership of their educational journey.
• Life skills & self-advocacy: Participants learn important life skills such as effective communication, setting goals, financial literacy, and making smart choices about their health, safety and friendships. They also gain confidence in their ability to ask for help and advocate for their needs.
• Personal growth: Through fun activities and group settings, students discover new interests, build friendships, and explore potential careers, all while growing emotionally and socially.
• Supportive environment: Students are paired with current or former foster youth who have experienced success. This provides them with relatable and responsible role models. Our staff and volunteers are dedicated to ensuring the best outcomes for each participant.

How EDIFY Works

EDIFY students are required to participate in weekly activities. These activities include tutoring sessions, group study and fun learning experiences. They earn “points” for their participation, which can be exchanged for rewards. We assess each student’s academic performance and provide the necessary tools to improve, whether it’s through reading programs like Newsela or learning platforms such as IXL. Our team works closely with caregivers and caseworkers to monitor progress and ensure students are on track.

Join EDIFY Today!

If you are a youth KVC serves through foster care or a KVC foster parent, we invite you to learn more about how EDIFY can make a positive impact. EDIFY is more than just school support—it’s an opportunity to gain the skills and confidence to succeed in school and life.

We accept referrals from KVC foster parents.

Contact Walter “Skipp” Swoope at wswoope@kvc.org to learn more and make a referral.

Looking for academic support programs for older youth in foster care? Visit kvcwv.org/academic-support.

How Peer Mentoring Supports Youth in Foster Care

The foundation of EDIFY is peer mentorship, which creates a strong connection between students and their mentors. EDIFY is led by college students who have experienced foster care themselves, as well as professionals from KVC West Virginia. These mentors, also known as Success Coaches, truly understand the unique challenges youth in foster care face and offer guidance, encouragement and a relatable perspective. We also connect students with former or current educators and tutors, ensuring they receive support tailored to their needs.

This hands-on, peer-led approach builds trust and empowers growth. Research shows the power of mentoring: students with mentors are 52% less likely to skip school, 92% more likely to volunteer in their communities, and 75% more likely to hold leadership roles within a club or sports team. At KVC, these outcomes are more than statistics—they’re the results we strive for every day.

EDIFY helps students take control of their education, understand their rights within foster care, and explore exciting career paths. With this support, students gain the confidence and skills to succeed in middle and high school, preparing them to handle the challenges of adulthood.

Looking for academic support programs for older youth in foster care? Visit kvcwv.org/academic-support.