NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Belmont University’s Innovation Labs has launched a $1 million initiative designed to find, fund and scale solutions that help young people transition successfully from foster care to adulthood across Tennessee.

The Reconstruct Thriving Youth Challenge addresses a critical need facing the community. Research shows up to 80% of youth aging out of foster care face homelessness, addiction or incarceration within three years.

With an average of more than 800 Tennessee children aging out of foster care every year, the data shows more than 600 of them will face these major issues before they turn 21.

Belmont University President Greg Jones said the statistics reveal the gravity of the situation, and he knew the school had to act.

“Those numbers are deeply worrying

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