Lacie Hoover, a sophomore at Indiana State University, has been named a recipient of FosterClub’s 2026 Outstanding Young Leader Award, one of fifty young advocates recognized nationwide. Hoover is using her college years to explore a broad range of academic interests, a chance she didn’t fully have in high school, while developing a strong curiosity for forensics and the science behind human behavior. 

Hoover spent five years in Indiana’s foster care system, and her advocacy is already underway. She serves as a National Youth in Transition Database Ambassador and an intern with Foster Success, an Indiana organization that supports young people with foster care experience, and she is becoming more involved with the Indiana Foster Youth Advisory Board. 

In the ambassador role, she explains to other young people why the survey matters: the NYTD is the federal survey that tracks how young people fare after they leave foster care, and she encourages those with foster care experience to make their answers count. 

Hoover is also writing. With support from one of her college professors, she is working on a memoir about her time in foster care, and she writes poetry as well. She hopes both will draw attention to problems inside the system while helping readers better understand what young people in care may be living through. 

“Lacie represents what the Outstanding Young Leaders recognition is all about — young people who are using their experiences, talents and leadership to make a difference for others,” said Celeste Bodner, Founder and Executive Director of FosterClub. “We’re proud to recognize Lacie and excited for people in Terre Haute to see the extraordinary leadership we see.” 

Looking ahead, Hoover aims to support and empower those impacted by the foster care system. Whether through direct advocacy as a NYTD Ambassador and with Foster Success, or through creative outlets like her memoir and poetry, she hopes to reach people on a human level where policy briefs often fall short. 

FosterClub is the national network for young people in foster care, leading efforts to connect, educate, inspire, and represent children and youth in and from the system. The organization empowers young people to improve the lives of their peers through advocacy, system change, and direct service. 

FosterClub’s 2026 Outstanding Young Leaders and discover the remarkable ways young people with foster care experience are leading change in their communities and across the country. Visit FosterClub.org to learn more about this year’s honorees — and find ways you can help young people in foster care thrive.