For the nearly 4,000 children who live in Guatemala’s orphanages and children’s homes, turning 18 years old is a life-changing moment—and not always for a good reason. That’s because when they turn 18, they must leave their orphanage or children’s home.

Many teenagers are not prepared to have prosperous and independent lives after they age out of the system. They often lack a support network and the skills to do meaningful work, which can put them at risk of academic failure, homelessness, unemployment, substance abuse, and crime.

But Transforming Futures is working to change that. We’ve launched a new program called Thinking Outside the Box to assist teenage orphans in their journey to become independent adults.

We’re already assisting 35 teenagers: 20 are learning at our new Training Center in Guatemala City and 15 are learning virtually. They are between the ages of 14 and 16 and come from six different orphanages. We are teaching them practical skills including how to prioritize their health, find housing, manage their finances, and apply for jobs. We are also connecting them with foster families and mentors who can provide a lifetime of guidance.