Invest in a Future Without Barriers.
For youth aging out of foster care, stability is the foundation for everything else. It is the difference between a prison cell and a college classroom. It is the difference between surviving a "cliff" and building a career.
Your gift provides the keys, the community, and the professional roadmap our students use to claim their independence.
The Stakes are Real
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The Pipeline: 70% of California’s prison population has a history in foster care.
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The Regional Crisis: Nearly 1 in 4 foster youth in our region experience the justice system within two years of aging out.
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The Gap: Up to 46% of California’s foster youth experience homelessness by age 26.
Your investment disrupts this cycle.
You are funding the next generation of Sacramento’s leaders.
Our Vow: Disrupting the Pipeline
AcademySTAY was born from a strategic vow to make the world a better place for children who get to stay. Today, we turn that vow into a direct intervention against California’s most persistent systemic failures.
We are not just a housing provider. We are a professionalized framework for success. Our model replaces the chaos of aging out with structured, data-informed roadmaps that empower students to lead self-determined lives.
A Better Path for California
We offer a path that is more humane and more fiscally responsible than the status quo.
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AcademySTAY Model: ~$35,000 to $45,000 per year per student.
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Incarceration: $131,100 per year.
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Chronic Homelessness: $100,750 or more per year.
Every $1 invested in AcademySTAY returns $3.95 in lifetime benefits to the community through higher earnings and reduced justice costs.
Hear from our students
"I need a secure place to live, and I'm determined to make the most of it in order to realize my greatest potential." — C.W., 20
"Having stable housing would allow me to focus on school without worrying about where I'm going to sleep." — T.B., 23
Give Now
Your secure gift fuels housing, mentorship, and the skills needed to stay out of the justice system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
We know you may have questions before making a gift. Here are some of the most common ones we hear from donors:
Do AcademySTAY youth pay rent?
Most students qualify for a Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) voucher, which we help them apply for right away. This voucher fully covers their rent while they work toward independence.
If a student isn’t eligible for a voucher, they pay a modest $700/month, far below Sacramento’s market rent. Either way, their housing is paired with life-skills training, mentorship, and career support to ensure long-term stability.
Do youth have assigned case workers or mentors?
Yes. Each student has a dedicated case manager to help with education, employment, and life decisions. We also offer volunteer mentors for youth who want an extra layer of guidance, and we’re always looking for more caring adults to join that network.
Is AcademySTAY rated by Charity Navigator?
Charity Navigator requires two years of financial history before assigning a rating. Since we opened in late 2024, we’ll be eligible soon. In the meantime, we proudly hold a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid (formerly GuideStar) - the highest level of nonprofit transparency.
What happens when youth “age out” of the program?
We don’t simply close the door. Before any transition, students receive step-down planning that includes securing permanent housing, stable income, and a long-term support network.
Still have questions? Contact us to connect directly with our team, or come see the impact of your support in person.