Turning Tassels, Changing Futures: How Shanté Elliott Is Redefining Education for Youth in Foster Care

Our Best of Fostering Change series continues with an inspiring conversation that reminds us of the life-changing power of education.

Rob sits down with Shanté Elliott—a former foster youth, learning scientist, social entrepreneur, and founder of TasselTurn, an innovative organization helping foster and housing-insecure students graduate from high school and successfully transition into adulthood.

What began with a $300 grant has grown into a nationally recognized platform that combines mentorship, coaching, technology, and milestone-based incentives to help young people realize their potential. Through her own lived experience and groundbreaking research, Shanté is proving that when we invest in young people—and redesign systems to support them—extraordinary things can happen.

The educational barriers many foster and housing-insecure youth face

How TasselTurn is helping students stay engaged and reach graduation

Why technology can be a powerful tool for creating opportunity and accountability

How Shanté's own foster care journey inspired her life's work

The importance of believing in young people's potential—and building systems that help them succeed

We're now halfway through August, with just three more "Best of Fostering Change" episodes before we launch Season 8 this fall.

When we return, you'll hear the same meaningful conversations and inspiring guests—but under our new podcast name: Comfort Cases UnPacked. We can't wait to share this exciting next chapter with you!

Website: https://www.tasselturn.org

Instagram: @tasselturn