More than 200 Houston youth aging out of the foster care system face a daunting reality each year, often lacking the resources and guidance needed to navigate adulthood. At the recent Houston - Ed Talk: Youth Innovation Challenge, a team led by Daniella Matassa unveiled "Mapping Hope," a digital platform designed to support these vulnerable individuals.

The initiative aims to create a comprehensive digital roadmap for youth exiting foster care, addressing critical issues such as homelessness, unemployment, and mental health challenges. Ayesha, a key team member, emphasized the project's mission: "We want to help them find stability, purpose, and success in their future." The statistics are alarming—25% of foster youth experience homelessness within four years of high school, and fewer than 5% earn a college degree.

Mapping Hope will serve as a GPS-enabled app that connects users to essential resources, including shelters, job opportunities, and mental health support. The platform will feature a user-friendly interface, allowing youth to easily access information and services tailored to their needs. "We want to make it easier for youth to find the opportunities they need," said Alyssa, another team member.

The project is not just about immediate assistance; it aims to create a stable, evolving ecosystem that can adapt to the changing needs of foster youth. The team plans to collaborate with local organizations and universities to ensure the app remains relevant and secure. They anticipate launching a pilot version by September 2025, with plans for a full rollout by early 2027.

Mapping Hope represents a significant step toward empowering Houston's foster youth, offering them the tools and support necessary to build brighter futures. As the team stated, "Together, we can give them the tools, the support, and the hope they deserve."