Empowering Foster Youth to Rise Beyond the System
While the world around us continues to evolve, one truth remains: every foster youth deserves the chance to build a future filled with purpose, stability, and hope.
The Austin Hooper Foundation was created to bridge the gap for foster youth—especially those aging out of the system—by providing the tools, support, and relationships they need to thrive as adults. We advocate for meaningful change, raise awareness about the challenges they face, and work tirelessly to ensure every young person is seen, heard, and equipped for success.
Founded by NFL athlete Austin Hooper, our foundation partners with foster care agencies to provide the extras they need, create opportunities for mentorship and internship in the fields of their interest to expose youth to new experiences that spark growth and self-discovery. Through career development, life skills training, and emotional support, we help them find direction and confidence as they transition into adulthood.
Today, our mission extends far beyond awareness—we’re building a sustainable path forward. We’re expanding our scholarships, partnering with mentors in various fields and work to match the teen with a mentor in their specific field of interest to create real-world opportunities, and connecting foster youth to networks that open doors to education, entrepreneurship, and meaningful careers.
From the beginning, we’ve been driven by the belief that no young person should age out of care without guidance, love, and opportunity. Every foster youth deserves a community that believes in their potential and walks beside them as they define their future.
What We’ve Accomplished Together
Building Pathways for Foster Youth
Since our founding, the Austin Hooper Foundation has connected dozens of foster youth with hands-on mentorship opportunities, career guidance, and emotional support systems designed to prepare them for life beyond the system. Our mentorship programs pair each participant with committed professionals who walk beside them as they navigate education, employment, and personal growth.
Supporting Those Aging Out of Care
For many foster youth, turning eighteen marks the beginning of uncertainty. Our foundation provides transition support—including housing resources, life coaching, and goal-setting sessions—to help them move forward with structure and stability rather than fear.
Encouraging Mental and Emotional Growth
We recognize that true transformation goes beyond career readiness. That’s why we invest in mental wellness initiatives that focus on self-worth, resilience, and healing. Through group discussions, wellness retreats, and access to licensed professionals, we’re creating safe spaces for youth to process, grow, and rebuild.
Empowering Through Community
We believe lasting impact happens through unity. Our volunteers, mentors, and donors have helped us build a community where former foster youth know they’re not alone—where they’re supported, celebrated, and believed in. Together, we’re cultivating a culture of empowerment that ripples far beyond the program.
