Student Spotlight: Ty's Mission to Change Foster Youth Statistics

Some people find their purpose in disrupting broken systems. Ty found his in the statistics he refuses to become.

At 24, Ty is a senior at Sacramento State studying Criminal Justice and a young man with a clear mission: to change the narrative for foster youth outcomes. Set to graduate in 2026, he represents something significant: proof that the statistics don't have to define you.

Uncovering Hidden Truths

Ty’s path to criminal justice was shaped by a revelation from his own childhood. For years, he believed a story his family told him: that he broke his leg as a toddler while trying to reach a jar of peanut butter.

“They told me I broke my leg when I was two…my memory was kind of cartoonish and from across the room, not a point of view a child would have of the accident. I was climbing up, balancing on a butter knife…and then I fall. All my life I believed this and told people this.”

The memory felt real; until it didn’t.

As an adult, Ty gained access to court records and learned the truth. At age two, he had tried to intervene in a domestic violence incident. His mother was pushed into him, and the impact caused the injury.

“Then I was like, ‘Oh, I remember now…holy shit. That never happened.’”

That moment reshaped everything. Realizing that adults had built a false narrative to “protect” him only deepened his commitment to justice and his belief that everyone deserves the truth.

A Mission for the Missing

Ty's career goals are deeply personal. He wants to work missing persons cases, particularly involving children, driven by a desire to provide families with closure.

"I want to figure out missing children cases...so I can go to their families and let them know, so they can have closure."

His motivation comes from understanding systemic failures firsthand and witnessing disparities in the criminal justice system through professors who opened his eyes to the injustices.

System Reform

If Ty could change one thing about foster care, it would be education and accountability. He envisions a system where foster youth actually know their rights and have clear pathways for advocacy when those rights are violated.

"I want foster kids to know their foster care bill of rights, and know who to talk to. Their needs aren't being met. Also those social workers should be held accountable."

This represents his vision for reform, not the current reality. Today, too many foster youth navigate the system without understanding their rights or knowing whom to contact when they need help.

Ty learned early that "a lot of adults don't know what they're doing" and developed the wisdom to discern whom to listen to while understanding that every choice has consequences.

Leadership in Action

Ty doesn't just talk about change. He actively works to create it. He serves as Community Liaison on AcademySTAY's student leadership council, VOTE (Voices of Tomorrow Executives), where he helps bring in resources from community partners. He's also involved with the California Youth Connection (CYC), advocating for policy changes that affect foster youth statewide.

As one of the older residents at AcademySTAY, Ty takes seriously his role as both advocate and living proof of possibility. He understands the stark statistics: only 3-4% of former foster youth earn bachelor's degrees; he's determined to help change that number through both individual example and systemic advocacy.

"I'm one of the oldest people here...and I'm going to school, I want the other kids that just because you came from foster care, it's not impossible to do anything you want to do."

His advice to other young people aging out is practical and grounded: know your resources like FYI vouchers, cultivate three truly loyal friends, and "try not to give people the reaction that they want when they're trying to make you mad."

The Bigger Picture

Ty has a clear-eyed understanding of systemic issues that goes beyond individual stories. He sees the bigger picture of how systems operate and who benefits from the status quo.

"The system isn't broken. It was made this way on purpose. This is the system that was made. It seems broken to us because it's messed up, but to them, it's what they want... so change that system."

When asked why he's at AcademySTAY, his response was immediate: "I'm here to make a change... be the statistic that changes the outcome, not just another one that confirms it."

The Importance of Real Connection

Ty also understands the difference between surface-level and meaningful relationships. He values authentic connection over digital validation and emphasizes the importance of showing up for people during both good times and difficult moments.

"It means a lot when you show up for birthday parties, meaningful events, times of trouble... I want that type of friendship where I know I won't be alone... there's another person there."

Why We're Sharing This

Ty shows the importance of self-discovery, academic perseverance, and systemic thinking. His story from early childhood trauma to academic success shows that with the right support and inner determination, young adults can rewrite the narrative that's been written about them.

At AcademySTAY, we provide the stability that allows students like Ty to focus on completing their degrees and preparing for careers that will make a difference. His story reminds us that foster youth aren't just statistics to be helped. They're future leaders, advocates, and system-changers who will improve outcomes for the next generation.