There are over 400,000 children living in foster homes in the United States. Many of these kids face countless challenges as they navigate life. Shockingly, less than 3% of all foster youth in the country will go on to graduate from college and earn their bachelor's degree. A significant number end up homeless or incarcerated.

My name is Julian Ramirez, and as a former foster youth, I'm all too familiar with the obstacles faced by these young people in pursuing higher education. This spring, I will be graduating from Berkeley Haas with my MBA. Growing up, my parents struggled with addiction to PCP. My dad was in and out of prison, while my mom was homeless.

To help address these challenges, I am embarking on a 3,000-mile cross-country bicycle trip, "Pedal Forward," to raise awareness and support for foster youth. My goal is to raise $20,000 to assist foster youth in the SF Bay Area.

"Pedal Forward" is more than just a bike ride; it's about supporting these young people who face immense social, emotional, and economic challenges. Join me in making a difference by contributing to SOAR for Youth, a Berkeley-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering foster youth with resources, education, and mentorship. By supporting them, we enable them to break free from the barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential. Together, let's pedal forward to create a brighter future for foster youth.

Supporter Tier - $20 Donation:

Receive a personalized, handwritten thank-you postcard from Julian from the road, expressing his gratitude for your contribution to the cause.

Advocate Tier - $50 Donation:

Gain exclusive access to a private Instagram group where Julian will share behind-the-scenes updates and photos from his cross-country bike journey.

Champion Tier - $100 Donation:

Julian will send you a digital photo album of trip highlights, capturing the most memorable moments from his 3,000-mile journey.

Trailblazer Tier - $250 Donation:

Get a shoutout on Julian's social media channels, acknowledging your generous support and dedication to foster youth.

Visionary Tier - $500 Donation:

Enjoy a 30-minute video call with Julian after the completion of his trip, during which he will share his experiences and insights from the journey and discuss the impact of your donation.

Change-Maker Tier - $1,000 Donation:

Receive a unique, heartfelt thank-you video message from a foster youth who has directly benefited from your generous donation, sharing their story and expressing their gratitude.