Boosted Diplomas is helping foster and at-risk youth in Northern Nevada overcome educational barriers, graduate from high school and build the confidence they need to thrive. Founder Cooper Richardson and board member Scott Torgan join Sarah Johns to share the mission behind the nonprofit and preview the 2026 Student for a Night fundraiser at the Nevada Museum of Art.

Cooper explains that foster youth can experience significant disruption throughout their education, including moving between homes multiple times. He shares that the local foster youth graduation rate has been around 40%, compared with approximately 86% for the broader student population. After seven years of Boosted Diplomas programming, Cooper says the organization's participating students are achieving an average graduation rate of roughly 86%.

Boosted Diplomas works with students from first through 12th grade, providing resources and educational support as early as possible. Students can receive weekly tutoring and long-term educational advocacy, with advocates working alongside young people through graduation.

Scott also shares what it's like to serve on the organization's hands-on board and watch students build confidence, overcome challenges and share their success stories.

Then, get a preview of Student for a Night, happening October 16 at the Nevada Museum of Art. Guests can step into the experience of a Boosted Diplomas student, meet students and staff, learn about the obstacles young people may face and see how individualized support can change their educational path. After selling out at approximately 250 attendees last year, the organization hopes to welcome around 350 people in 2026.

🚨 Segment Highlights:

🎓 What Is Boosted Diplomas?

• Educational nonprofit serving foster and at-risk youth in Northern Nevada

• Helps students access the tools and support needed to graduate

• Focuses on helping young people succeed both in school and beyond

❤️ Supporting Foster & At-Risk Youth

• Educational disruption can create significant challenges for foster youth

• Boosted Diplomas serves students from first through 12th grade

• Early intervention helps students develop stronger educational foundations

📚 Tutoring & Educational Advocacy

• Students can receive individualized academic support

• Weekly tutors help address immediate educational needs

• Long-term educational advocates can support students through graduation

🌟 Watching Students Succeed

• Scott describes watching students develop confidence over time

• Students share their personal journeys and accomplishments

• The hands-on board brings experience from education, social work, finance and nonprofit leadership

🎟️ Student for a Night 2026

• October 16 at the Nevada Museum of Art

• Guests experience what entering the Boosted Diplomas program can look like

• Meet students, staff and community partners supporting the mission

💰 $150,000 Fundraising Goal

• Boosted Diplomas hopes to raise $150,000 for student services

• Cooper says a grant is covering program administrative costs for the next two years

• Donations can directly support one-on-one tutoring and educational advocacy for the next school year

🌐 Learn More About Boosted Diplomas:

Visit https://www.boosteddiplomas.org/ to learn more about the organization's programs, supporting foster and at-risk youth, Student for a Night, sponsorship opportunities and ways to donate.

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