About Wings To Stand

Wings To Stand is a life-skills, readiness, and mentorship nonprofit serving school-age youth and young adults ages 12–24, with a primary focus on youth connected to foster care and those preparing to age out of the system. We exist to ensure young people have more than survival skills  they have stability, guidance, and a sense of belonging as they prepare for adulthood. While our work centers on foster-connected youth, Wings To Stand also provides scholarship-based participation opportunities for school-age youth who are recommended by trusted partners and demonstrate readiness, motivation, and a desire to grow.

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower youth and young adults by equipping them with the practical skills, confidence, and consistent support needed to thrive independently and build sustainable, fulfilling lives.

Our Approach

We understand that the transition to adulthood, especially for youth impacted by foster care faced with unique challenges. Wings To Stand responds by providing hands-on, real-world learning paired with long-term mentorship and advocacy. Our programs are designed to meet youth where they are, offering structure, encouragement, and guidance through every stage of preparation and transition. We focus not only on what youth need to know, but on who they are becoming.

What We Teach

Our curriculum focuses on essential life skills that promote independence, confidence, and long-term stability, including:

• Financial Literacy & Credit Education
• Workforce & Job Readiness
• Independent Living & Housing Preparation
• Culinary & Life Skills
• Mental Health & Emotional Wellness
• Health, Nutrition, & Fitness
• College & Career Guidance
• Educational Support & Self-Advocacy
• Creative & Personal Development
• Mentorship & Life Navigation Support
• Flexible Program Models

Wings To Stand offers multiple program formats to accommodate varying schedules, locations, and levels of support:

• Year-Round Programming during the school year
• After-School Programs focused on enrichment, tutoring, and mentorship
• Summer Programs with themed, immersive learning experiences
• All program models emphasize hands-on learning, real-world application, and measurable readiness outcomes.
• Our Educators & Mentors
• Our programs are led by a team of vetted educators, professionals, and mentors, including licensed teachers, financial literacy instructors, culinary educators, and youth advocates.
• Each team member is selected not only for their expertise, but for their commitment to supporting youth with care, consistency, and integrity.

Our Long-Term Commitment

What sets Wings To Stand apart is our “forever home” philosophy.

We do not stop supporting youth when a program ends or when they age out of care. Participants can continue to return for guidance, resources, and support as they navigate adulthood — whether they need help with housing, employment, budgeting, emotional wellness, or life decisions.

Our goal is to provide a lasting foundation of belonging, stability, and encouragement during one of the most critical transitions of a young person’s life.