Trent Taylor

When you meet Trent Taylor, you don’t see a statistic — you see a scholar, a leader, and a powerful voice for change. But statistically, Trent shouldn’t be where he is today. Nationally, just over half of youth in foster care graduate high school. Fewer than 3% go on to earn a college degree. Yet Trent, a graduate of Wake Technical Community College, has not only defied those odds — he’s risen to the top of the academic world.

Trent was named a PTK Hites Scholar. Out of 3,700 applicants nationwide, only ten students are selected annually. He was also chosen as a PTK New Century Transfer Scholarship, bringing his total scholarship earnings to nearly $10,000 as he prepares to transfer to a four-year university.

For Trent, though, the recognition isn’t just about personal achievement — it’s about representation. “As a former foster youth, my goal has been to break misconceptions about those of us who have spent time in foster care,” he said. “I hope to use this honor to provide hope to others.”

Trent entered foster care at just four years old after surviving domestic violence, neglect, and sexual abuse. He spent five years in the system before he and his younger brother were adopted. Healing took time. But instead of staying silent, Trent chose to tell his story — not for sympathy, but for impact. At just fourteen, he published his autobiography, Shattered No More, and later co-authored a second book. He became an advocate for foster care reform, participating in national campaigns and initiatives to shift the narrative around foster youth.

He and his family went on to create Watch Me Rise, an organization dedicated to training and supporting foster families so children can move — as Trent says — “from trauma to triumph.”

At Wake Tech, Trent found community through the Fostering Bright Futures program, which helps former foster youth navigate college, build life skills, and prepare for independence. “The Fostering Bright Futures program is a true gift for those of us who have spent time in foster care,” he said. He also immersed himself in campus life as a member of the Social Science Club, proving that success isn’t just about overcoming hardship — it’s about thriving in the opportunities that follow.

Trent's long-term goal is to earn a master’s degree in clinical counseling and become a licensed trauma counselor and consultant.

“My goal is for the world to know that even the worst forms of trauma can be overcome,” he said. “Those of us who spent time in foster care are not broken nor damaged goods. We are able to overcome and achieve when supports are in place.”

Trent Taylor is more than a scholarship recipient. He is proof that resilience, paired with opportunity, can transform not just a life — but an entire narrative.