The UT Spark Program empowers youth with foster care experience to succeed by providing vital resources and fostering meaningful personal and professional connections.
May is National Foster Care Month and the Texas Institute for Child & Family Wellbeing (TXICFW) is celebrating by highlighting Spark students who are graduating from The University of Texas at Austin this Spring. TXICFW sat down withOlivia Garcia, Olivia Longoria and Veronica Renteria-Martinez to learn about their experience with Spark, what’s inspiring them and the advice they have for youth in foster care who also want to pursue college.
Olivia Garcia, BSW ‘26
How has Spark helped you?
Spark has provided me with both academic and personal support, which have been essential to my success. Through resources such as advising, financial assistance, and a strong support network, I’ve been able to navigate college with greater confidence and stability. It has also given me a sense of community where I feel understood and supported.
What has most helped you in your time at UT as a former foster youth?
Having access to consistent support systems has helped me the most. Whether it’s mentors, campus resources, or programs specifically for former foster youth, knowing I have people and services I can rely on has made a big difference. It’s helped me stay focused on my goals and reminded me that I’m not alone in this journey.
What advice do you have for youth in foster care who hope to pursue higher education?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help and take advantage of every resource available to you. There are programs, scholarships, and people who genuinely want to see you succeed. Also, believe in yourself—even if your path looks different, your experiences have made you resilient and capable of achieving your goals.
What is currently inspiring you?
Right now, I’m inspired by my own growth and the opportunities I’ve created for myself. I’m also motivated by the idea of being a role model for others with similar backgrounds and showing that success is possible despite challenges.
What’s next?
After graduation, I plan to pursue a career where I can make a meaningful impact, especially working with individuals or communities who need support. I’m interested in continuing to grow professionally while also giving back and advocating for others, particularly those with experiences like mine.
Olivia Longoria, BSAET ‘26
How has Spark helped you?
Spark has really helped me focus more on my coursework, extracurricular activities, and hobbies! I have felt so much support within the program, and there are endless opportunities provided to us through work experience, advocacy, scholarships and grants, and, of course, fun activities and free food! Before Spark, I was not aware that so many people cared about foster youth and equal access to education. I am incredibly grateful to be part of Spark; even after I graduate, I know the support system will still be there.
What has most helped you in your time at UT as a former foster youth?
Spark has, by far, helped me the most during my time at UT. I’ve been connected to so many scholarships, grants, and gift cards to help with expenses. It has also been very helpful to talk with other former foster youth and to share resources.
What advice do you have for youth in foster care who hope to pursue higher education?
The advice I would give to youth in foster care is to never limit yourself! Going to college as a foster youth was daunting for me, and I was afraid that I wouldn’t get a “good” or “normal” college experience due to my background. However, because of the endless opportunities and support available to former foster youth in college, I had a very fulfilling time. Never turn down any support and know just how strong you are to pursue higher education despite the challenges faced in previous years.
What is currently inspiring you?
I am currently inspired by Pink Pantheress! She started making music with very simple tools, out of pure passion and fun, which led to a very successful career. It shows that anything is possible with enough dedication and care.
What’s next?
Post graduation, I plan to pursue a career in sales. I also hope to travel and produce music whenever I can!
Veronica Renteria-Martinez, YCS ‘26
How has Spark helped you?
The Spark program has been important in helping me navigate college both academically and personally. It provided access to advising, financial support, and a community of people who understand the challenges of being a former foster youth. Having consistent guidance and resources made me feel more stable and confident in my ability to succeed at UT.
What has most helped you in your time at UT as a former foster youth?
What has helped me the most is having a support system. Whether that’s mentors, advisors, or programs like Spark. Knowing that there are people who genuinely care and want to see me succeed made a big difference. Also, learning how to advocate for myself and use campus resources has been key to staying on track.
What advice do you have for youth in foster care who hope to pursue higher education?
I would say don’t be afraid to ask for help and take advantage of every resource available to you. College can feel overwhelming, but there are programs and people who are there to support you. Also, believe that you belong there, your experiences have given you strength and perspective that will help you succeed.
What is currently inspiring you?
Right now, I’m really inspired by the resilience of students who have gone through similar experiences and are still pushing forward. Seeing others succeed despite challenges motivates me to keep going and eventually give back, supporting others in similar situations.
What’s next?
After graduation, I plan to become a high school English teacher and continue my education by pursuing my master’s degree. I want to create a classroom where students feel seen, supported, and encouraged to find their voice through reading and writing. Long-term, I hope to continue growing as an educator and make a meaningful impact on students, especially those from challenging backgrounds.