Inspiring the Next Generation

Savien Johnson was one of 1,700 Oklahoma County youth in foster care. Thankfully, he found financial help from generous scholarship donors at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation that will help him follow his dreams.

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Video: Text reading: Today, there are 9,500 children living in foster homes in Oklahoma. 1,700 in Oklahoma County. 461 Oklahoma children are still awaiting a foster home.

00:19:00
Savien: Things for me weren't that easy growing up. I always knew I wanted to go to college. I just wasn't sure how I was gonna get there.
Video: Savien looking at old photos of his mom and family

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Video: Savien shutting off his laptop and gathering his backpack.

00:37:00
Voice: Savien Johnson is just one of 1,700 children who are part of the foster care system in Oklahoma County. In high school Savien excelled at sports, But in his heart, he knew he wanted to pursue a degree, and eventually a career. He went to the Oklahoma City Community Foundation's website and reviewed the many scholarships they offer every year. It was the Oklahoma Youth with Promise scholarship that caught his eye. This fund was established to provide scholarships to students who graduated from high school while in DHS custody. The scholarship ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 annually, and is awarded to current high school seniors, or those who have obtained a GED and are in the foster care system.
Video: Savien working out, running and playing basketball; Savien walking into a coffee shop and opening his computer to search for scholarships.

01:22:00
Anna Faye: We started out thinking 'Oh, we can get them in school one year. Now we can provide assistance in addition to their Pell grant or any other academic scholarship they qualify for. We can help them every year through a bachelor's degree.
Video: Anna Faye interview; Savien walking on UCO campus

01:36:00
Nolan: It's very important that they have guidance and they know where to go to ask about programs where they can get funding.
Video: Nolan interview; Savien walking

01:45:00
Savien: They really helped me pursue my goals in school and it also helped me because I understand that there's a lot of people who are in my corner.
Video: Savien interview; Savien working out

01:52:00
Voice: Today, Savien is a sophomore at the University of Central Oklahoma, where he is pursuing a degree in strategic communications. Savien has a good relationship with his birth mother and does see her on holidays and special occasions, and he has a large network of friends he met in college. Following graduation, Savien hopes to enter the Air Force to serve his country.
Video: Savien walking with friends on campus
02:14:00
Savien: I look back and I think man, I've came far and at the time I didn't know what was going on. but like I'm glad I made it through.
Video: Savien interview

02:20:00
Voice: If you have a desire to make a difference in your community, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation can help you make it happen.
Video: OCCF Logo

02:27:00
Savien: We all have the ability to live our dream. Sometimes we need a little help to get there.
Video: Savien on UCO campus