The nsoro Educational Foundation

The nsoro Educational Foundation Our Mission is to provide access to post secondary education for all youth in foster care. We invest the money we raise in youth from foster care.

nsoro provides college-preparatory programs and direct educational scholarships for youth in foster care, those who've "aged out" of the foster care system, and wards of the state. Darrell Mays, founder of nsoro, was moved to this mission after viewing the PBS documentary, "Aging Out" on the plight of aged-out foster care kids. Kids who've spent time in the foster care system are already far more

likely to:

Be socially disconnected
Perform poorly in school
Struggle with drugs, alcohol, and mental illness
Experience poverty

But once "aged-out," life gets far riskier for them. Often with no place to live anymore, largely unable to fend for themselves, and with little or no positive guidance in their lives, these kids are dangerously vulnerable to take a wrong turn in life. nsoro steps up and steps in during this precarious period in their lives, and driven by this deep and abiding belief: education is the great equalizer in life. Our mission is to reverse this grim statistic...
A mere 3% of youth in foster care graduates from college. nsoro is successfully rewriting the future life stories of these youth in foster care across the country—700+ since 2005—with these two programs:

Direct Educational Scholarships
to be used for tuition, books, room/board, and other academic expenses

College Bound Program
In weeklong, summer immersion programs on eight (and counting) college campuses, high school level youth in foster care "test-drive" a real-world experience. The Results:
our nsoro scholars:
100% have graduated or are still enrolled in school
70% are pursuing an advanced degree
98% have not been incarcerated
96% have not abused drugs or alcohol
78% have not been homeless
75% have developed and maintained a budget

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAYTo every woman and every person who holds the role of mother in someone’s life, moms, grandmothers, ki...
05/10/2026

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

To every woman and every person who holds the role of mother in someone’s life, moms, grandmothers, kinship caregivers, social workers, foster moms, and dads who mother with strength and tenderness, today we honor you.

You show us that love has many names, and that family is often chosen, built, and bravely sustained.

WE LOVE THE MONTH OF MAY!National Foster Care Awareness MonthAt nsoro, we walk alongside our scholars, from their very f...
05/02/2026

WE LOVE THE MONTH OF MAY!
National Foster Care Awareness Month

At nsoro, we walk alongside our scholars, from their very first day on campus through graduation and stabilization. This month, we celebrate our Class of 2026, 45 graduates across 13 states, and we begin the work of preparing our youth to return to campus this fall. For our young people, returning to school requires more than a registration date and a move-in time. It requires resources, consistency, and a community that shows up. That is what nsoro provides.

Now, we ask, will you stand with us? Your support helps ensure our scholars walk into their dorms with the essentials they need, not only to start the semester, but to feel prepared, supported, and seen.

A graduating senior, Lamonte, said it best:
“I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for the amazing care package. It is truly awesome and filled with so many incredibly helpful essentials. This gesture will not be forgotten. No other organization has shown such dedication to prioritizing students' well-being. The box is not only generous in size but also in impact. Thank you so much for this thoughtful gift. It means a lot to me and is greatly appreciated.”

This is what your support makes possible.
BE THE BLUEPRINT. BUILD THE FUTURE.
🔗 DONATE TODAY. LINK IN BIO.


"Hard work and dedication always bring forth a person's best character. Giving back and contributing are passions that I...
04/27/2026

"Hard work and dedication always bring forth a person's best character. Giving back and contributing are passions that I hold very dearly."
-Dennis, United Way of Greater Atlanta, Youth Ambassador

Join us in welcoming Dennis to nsoro as part of our partnership with United Way of Greater Atlanta through the CareerReady ATL Youth Ambassador Program!

As a Youth Ambassador, Dennis will play a vital role in supporting and mentoring nsoroWORKS scholars as they navigate career pathways, apprenticeships, and access to essential wraparound services. This opportunity allows him to pour into the youth we serve while building valuable skills and experience that prepare him for careers in community impact and beyond.

The CareerReady ATL initiative is designed to create meaningful, paid work experiences and connect youth with the tools and resources they need to succeed!

We are proud and honored to partner with United Way of Greater Atlanta! Dennis, we are overjoyed to have you on this journey, together we are FOSTERING FUTURES!






"Hard work and dedication always bring forth a person's best character. Giving back and contributing are passions that I...
04/27/2026

"Hard work and dedication always bring forth a person's best character. Giving back and contributing are passions that I hold very dearly."
-Dennis, United Way of Greater Atlanta, Youth Ambassador

Join us in welcoming Dennis to nsoro as part of our partnership with United Way of Greater Atlanta through the CareerReady ATL Youth Ambassador Program!

As a Youth Ambassador, Dennis will play a vital role in supporting and mentoring nsoroWORKS scholars as they navigate career pathways, apprenticeships, and access to essential wraparound services. This opportunity allows him to pour into the youth we serve while building valuable skills and experience that prepare him for careers in community impact and beyond.

The CareerReady ATL initiative is designed to create meaningful, paid work experiences and connect youth with the tools and resources they need to succeed!

We are proud and honored to partner with United Way of Greater Atlanta! Dennis, we are overjoyed to have you on this journey, together we are FOSTERING FUTURES!







04/11/2026

Not all job fairs are created equal.
For nsoroWORKS, this wasn’t just attendance; it was a scouting mission for opportunity.

On April 9, our team showed up at the Atlanta Job Fair hosted by Best Hire Career Fairs at the Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Downtown with one goal: to source strong, credible employment opportunities for our enterprising young people. And our rock-star intern team returned with results.

From technical and medical roles to childcare and career-track pathways, this was more than a room full of employers. It was real-time access, live insight, and the kind of direct connection that can change a trajectory.

Because for our young people, success cannot depend on sending applications into a void.
It requires proximity to opportunity, exposure to what is possible, and advocates willing to go into the room and open doors.

That is nsoroWORKS. We prepare our young people for the workforce, position them to compete, so they are ready to secure futures with momentum. We do not wait for opportunity to find our youth. We will go get it.

BIG KUDOS to our Intern team, Mecca and Kayla, and our new Youth Ambassador, Dennis, from our Partners at The United Way of Greater Atlanta!

United Way of Greater Atlanta
Best Hire Career Fairs - Job Fairs & Hiring Events



During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the accomplished women of nsoro’s alumni community whose leadership is shapin...
04/01/2026

During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the accomplished women of nsoro’s alumni community whose leadership is shaping systems and strengthening communities.

Today, we proudly recognize nsoro alumna Victoria, Pediatric ER and Adult ICU Nurse at Rady Children’s Hospital–San Diego, and our first nurse within the alumni community.

Victoria’s work is rooted in providing critical, compassionate care to patients and families during some of their most vulnerable moments. Serving in both pediatric emergency and adult intensive care settings, she demonstrates clinical excellence, resilience, and a deep commitment to patient-centered care.

Licensed across multiple states, including Texas (Compact), California, Washington, Hawaii, and Ohio, Victoria brings a breadth of knowledge and adaptability that allows her to serve diverse communities and respond to evolving healthcare needs.

Through her work, Victoria contributes to strengthening healthcare systems by delivering high-quality care, advocating for patient well-being, and supporting families through complex medical experiences. Her dedication reflects both technical expertise and a heart for service.

As nsoro’s first nurse, Victoria represents a powerful milestone within our alumni community, paving the way for others pursuing careers in healthcare and demonstrating what purpose-driven impact looks like in action.

Victoria exemplifies compassion, leadership, and excellence, using her role to save lives, support families, and uplift communities.

We are incredibly proud of and inspired by Victoria’s dedication and the impact she continues to make.
Congratulations, Victoria!






During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the accomplished women of nsoro’s alumni community whose leadership is shapin...
04/01/2026

During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the accomplished women of nsoro’s alumni community whose leadership is shaping systems of care and strengthening communities.

Today, we proudly recognize nsoro alumna Shimaine Holley, Social Worker, National Advocate, and Founder & CEO of Change Is Inevitable LLC.

Shimaine’s work is rooted in transforming systems that impact youth and families, particularly those with lived experience in foster care and the juvenile justice system. Through her role with North Carolina Social Services and her consulting work, she focuses on strengthening child welfare practices, advancing trauma-informed care, and creating pathways for prevention and intervention.

As the Founder of Change Is Inevitable LLC, Shimaine designs and delivers trainings centered on adolescent brain development, authentic youth engagement, and systems change. She partners with national organizations, agencies, and communities to bridge gaps between policy and practice while empowering professionals to lead with both knowledge and compassion.

She brings a powerful blend of lived experience and professional expertise, having spent time in foster care herself and now using her voice to advocate for youth across the country. Shimaine has worked alongside organizations such as the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), American Public Human Services Association (APHSA), and the Children’s Bureau, and continues to serve as a keynote speaker, trainer, and thought partner in advancing equity and opportunity for young people.

Shimaine exemplifies purpose-driven leadership, using her platform to elevate youth voice, influence systems change, and build stronger, more supportive communities. Her work continues to inspire and create lasting impact nationwide.

We are incredibly proud of and inspired by Shimaine’s dedication and the meaningful change she continues to lead.
Congratulations, Shimaine!

Shimaine Holley





04/01/2026

During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the accomplished women of nsoro’s alumni community whose leadership is shaping systems and strengthening communities.

Today, we proudly recognize nsoro alumna Taylor, Litigation Paralegal at Rhoades & Morrow and Vice President of First State Youth MOVE.

Taylor’s work is rooted in supporting the pursuit of justice and ensuring legal processes are handled with diligence, precision, and integrity. In her role, she plays a critical part in case preparation, legal research, and client coordination, helping attorneys effectively advocate for those they serve.

Through her work in the legal field, Taylor contributes to systems that impact individuals and families by upholding accountability and promoting equitable outcomes. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence allow her to navigate complex legal matters while maintaining a client-centered approach.

In addition to her legal career, Taylor serves as Vice President of First State Youth MOVE, where she helps amplify youth voice and advocate for systems that better support young people with lived experience. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to empowerment, advocacy, and meaningful change.

Taylor exemplifies purpose-driven leadership, using her platform to support justice, elevate youth voice, and contribute to stronger, more supportive communities.

Taylor continues to raise the bar, and we are proud to celebrate her impact.
Congratulations, Taylor!

Taylor Ann Rockhold






During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the accomplished women of nsoro’s alumni community whose leadership is shapin...
03/30/2026

During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the accomplished women of nsoro’s alumni community whose leadership is shaping systems of care and strengthening communities.

Today, we proudly recognize nsoro alumna Eshontee Williams, Program Operations Coordinator at Embark Georgia.

The mission of Embark Georgia is to increase college access and retention for youth who have experienced foster care or homelessness.

At the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, Eshontee Williams serves as a Program Operations Coordinator IV on the Embark Georgia Center’s team. In this role, she provides strategic support and day-to-day management of key initiatives, with a focus on strengthening stakeholder engagement and designing impactful programs and trainings for both Embark and the broader Fanning Institute network.

She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the child's well-being sector, serving as a youth program designer and facilitator, youth engagement strategist, and keynote speaker for events centered on resilience and youth empowerment. In 2023, she was named a Jim Casey Young Fellow, joining a national cohort of changemakers dedicated to transforming the foster care system.

Eshontee exemplifies purpose-driven leadership, using her platform to create meaningful opportunities, elevate youth voice, and expand access to education and support systems for young people with lived experience.

We are incredibly proud of and inspired by Eshontee’s dedication and the lasting impact she continues to make across Georgia and beyond.

Congratulations, Eshontee!





During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the accomplished women of nsoro’s alumni community whose leadership is shapin...
03/20/2026

During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the accomplished women of nsoro’s alumni community whose leadership is shaping industries and strengthening communities.

Today, we proudly recognize nsoro alumna Shavon Saint-Preux, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Saints House and Propelling Into Triumph Inc., two impactful organizations dedicated to supporting youth aging out of the foster care system through transitional housing, mentorship, and coaching.

Shavon recently celebrated the opening of the Saints House Boys Home in Miami-Dade, Florida; a vision brought to life through unwavering dedication, faith, and the power of community. Shavon's ribbon-cutting marked a major milestone, representing a safe and nurturing space where young men will be guided and supported as they transition into adulthood. Shavon embodies purpose-driven leadership! Relentless in her pursuit of stable housing, designed exclusively for youth with lived experience in foster care!

Shavon is most certainly our Saint!
We are incredibly proud of and inspired by Shavon’s leadership and the opportunities she continues to create for young people throughout Miami-Dade!
Congratulations, Shavon!







During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the accomplished women of nsoro’s alumni community whose leadership is shapin...
03/18/2026

During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the accomplished women of nsoro’s alumni community whose leadership is shaping industries and strengthening communities.

Today, we recognize nsoro alumna Anna, an Antitrust Fall Associate at Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP. In this role, she is actively contributing to sophisticated antitrust matters, engaging with complex questions around competition, mergers, and regulatory policy at a firm widely respected in the field.

Anna’s work reflects strong analytical skills and discipline, as well as a deep commitment to the integrity of markets and the legal profession. Her path underscores the impact of focus, preparation, and purpose in reaching and excelling within highly competitive spaces.

We are proud to celebrate Anna’s accomplishments and the meaningful contributions she is already making to the field of antitrust law.

Congratulations, Anna ⚖️





Address

Atlanta, GA

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 7pm
Tuesday 8am - 7pm
Wednesday 8am - 7pm
Thursday 8am - 7pm
Friday 8am - 7pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm

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+14045240807

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