EDIFY (Early Development of Informed Foster Youth) is a virtual, no-cost academic support and mentorship program for youth in foster care in Pre-K through 12th grade across West Virginia. Because every young person deserves to feel supported, confident and connected, EDIFY provides consistent academic guidance and meaningful relationships that help youth stay engaged in school and prepare for the future.

Why Academic and Mentorship Support Matters

Youth in foster care can sometimes experience school changes, disruptions in learning and challenges building relationships with those around them. Even resilient youth can struggle without steady support.

EDIFY offers early intervention and ongoing encouragement so youth can strengthen their skills, build confidence and stay connected to their education. Through caring relationships and consistent structure, youth gain stability during times of transition.

Who EDIFY Serves

EDIFY is designed for youth in foster care in grades Pre-K through 12.

The program is a good fit for youth who:

• Need extra help with reading, homework or school subjects
• Want to improve their grades
• Would benefit from a positive mentor
• Are adjusting to a new school
• Are preparing for middle school, high school or graduation

We work in partnership with caregivers, KVC team members and educators to ensure each young person receives coordinated and individualized support.

What Youth Experience in EDIFY

EDIFY combines structured learning with relationship-based mentorship. Students in EDIFY take part in weekly activities. Participation is required to help youth build steady progress.

Participants engage in:

• Weekly tutoring sessions and guided learning activities
• Group classes focused on academic growth and social development
• Peer mentoring with Success Coaches
• A point-based incentive system that rewards participation and progress
• Ongoing collaboration with caregivers and educators to monitor growth

Points can be exchanged for rewards. We also review each student’s school progress and provide tools to help them improve. This may include reading programs like Newsela or learning platforms such as IXL. This steady support helps youth improve reading skills, strengthen grades and stay on track.

Skills Youth Build Through EDIFY

Through consistent participation, youth strengthen:

Academic Empowerment

Youth receive tutoring and group support to improve grades, reading comprehension and overall performance. They learn how to take ownership of their education.

Life Skills and Self-Advocacy

Youth learn communication skills, goal-setting, basic budgeting and how to make healthy choices. They also learn how to ask for help and understand their rights while in foster care.

Personal Growth

Through group activities, youth discover new interests, explore possible careers and build friendships. They grow socially and emotionally in a safe setting.

The Power of Peer Mentoring

EDIFY is led by Success Coaches, college students who have experienced foster care themselves along with professionals from KVC West Virginia.

These mentors understand the unique challenges youth in foster care may face. They offer guidance, encouragement and real-life examples of success. We also connect youth with educators and tutors who can meet their learning needs.

Research shows that mentoring makes a difference. Students with mentors are less likely to skip school and more likely to take on leadership roles and give back to their communities.

At KVC West Virginia, these outcomes are more than numbers. They are the results we work toward every day.

Real Stories. Real Possibility.

In 2025, EDIFY served 55 students across West Virginia, each with their own story, strengths and goals.

One third-grade student had already experienced multiple placements at a young age. With consistent support, she attended tutoring sessions each week, built relationships with her mentors and began to believe in her abilities. In just eight weeks, she increased her i-Ready reading score by 37 points and her math score by 97 points, ultimately performing above grade level in math.

Another student, age 10, entered the program with no formal schooling. Through steady encouragement, structured learning and curiosity-driven exploration, he reached third-grade-level proficiency in just 15 weeks. Today, he proudly shares that he feels like one of the strongest math students in his grade and was recently recognized by his principal and local board of education for his growth.

EDIFY’s impact also comes full circle through its mentors. One Success Coach, who experienced multiple foster care placements, graduated high school with a 4.5 GPA and strong ACT and SAT scores. Now in college, he returns to support youth in EDIFY, helping them see what is possible and reminding them they are capable of achieving their goals.

Caregivers share the impact of EDIFY:

“The program’s ability to create a sense of community, even in an online setting, has been remarkable. My foster children look forward to their sessions, not only for the academic support but also for the relationships they build with their tutors.”

“Their expertise in navigating the education system has been a tremendous relief, offering guidance not only to my foster children but also to me as their caregiver.”

“He is eager to learn and is like a sponge when it comes to school. I’m so impressed with his ability to learn. I am thankful for the time his teachers and tutors have invested to ensure his success.”

Ready to Learn More?

We are actively recruiting students!

If you are a KVC foster parent, caregiver or team member, you can refer a youth using the link below:

 

For questions about eligibility, referrals or program details, contact: Contact Walter “Skipp” Swoope at wswoope@kvc.org to learn more and make a referral.

Additional Academic Support

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