The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that there are over 400,000 children currently in foster care in the United States. Most youth are in the system for at least a year, with 38% for two years or longer. The most common placement setting for children in foster care is nonrelative foster family homes; about half of youth exit the system end up reunited with their caregivers, while another quarter are adopted. Unfortunately, as a result of the many challenges that can come with unstable and impermanent housing, disruptions in education, and a lack of strong relationships with adults, only 50% of youth in foster care complete high school by the time they are 18 years old, and only 20% enroll in higher education upon graduation. Studies have shown that mentoring services for foster youth are effective intervention strategies that have a positive impact on a wide range of factors. This document discusses these findings, provides examples of successful program models from across the country, and discusses opportunities to support youth with experience in foster care through mentoring.