Edwin Gould Academy
“The most important aspect of the Foundation’s support of EGA has been its leadership position as a strong advocate for young people aging out of foster care. The Foundation’s support early and often led directly to the the development of the Edwin Gould Residence, the first permanent residential facility for young people aging out of foster care.”
Tom Webber
President of the Board, Edwin Gould Academy
While the Gould Foundation has realigned its focus in recent years to concentrate on college-preparedness solutions for motivated but underserved students, the Foundation also administers a special “legacy fund” established by Edwin Gould to support the educational needs of young people in residence.
Edwin Gould Academy provides educational programs, housing and critical “after-care” services to young people who have aged out of the foster care and juvenile justice systems. Completed in March of 2006, the Edwin Gould Multi-Service Center and Residence is the first permanent residential facility in New York City dedicated solely to homeless young people. The facility serves over 350 former foster care and juvenile justice system youth annually, offering a comprehensive array of supportive services, including educational opportunities, job training and referrals, ongoing counseling and career planning. Early on, the Edwin Gould Foundation was vital to the development of the Residence, playing a lead role in obtaining financing for the $10 million facility.
The Edwin Gould Academy’s predecessor program received the Innovations in American Government award, co-sponsored by the Ford Foundation and Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. Edwin Gould Academy has been recognized for providing young people with a consistent environment that emphasizes both academic and personal development.
Latisha M., age 23
“If I didn’t get into Edwin Gould Academy I would probably still be in a shelter, where there was a lot of drug activity, tenants getting high and domestic violence. It’s great here at EGA. It’s peaceful. There’s security. It’s a place you look forward to coming home to. You have all the resources you need—educational and career guidance, a computer lab, and knowledgeable adults to talk to.”