Matthew West, Ed.D.

Higher Ed Professional • Foster Care Alum and Advocate • (Drexel U’ 25) • College Access and Opportunity Programs

[Matthew West, Ed.D. @MatthewErnest91]

It is with immense joy and gratitude that I announce I passed my dissertation defense on November 3, 2025. I am proud to now hold the title Dr. Matthew E. West!

Thank you @DrexelSOE!

[DrexelSOE @DrexelSOE]

We are proud to announce that Asya Johnson, EdD ‘20, will address the Class of 2026 at this year’s school commencement ceremony. She will address SOE graduates on Wednesday, June 10th at 12:30 p.m. at the Academy of Music.

Read more: https://t.co/M3mOjbOjqj

#ExperienceDrexel

[Matthew West, Ed.D. @MatthewErnest91]

@AMCHelps hello! I DM’d you regarding my A-list membership. Please respond at your earliest convenience

[Matthew West, Ed.D. @MatthewErnest91]

Sent that email to my chair with the quickness! Once I get that stamp of approval, chapters 4 & 5, here I come!

[Matthew West, Ed.D. @MatthewErnest91]

I know hearing “congrats Dr.” is what we are all working for , but I feel (at the moment) nothing feels better than finishing your coding cycles for qualitative interviews (thank the lordt) and completing your thematic analysis!

I could cry 😂😂😂.

Me right now:

[Matthew West, Ed.D. @MatthewErnest91]

May is National Foster Care Awareness Month—a time dedicated to elevating the voices and experiences of youth impacted by the child welfare system.

For those who may not know, there are over 391,000 children and youth in foster care across the United States. But behind that number are real lives—young people who have faced instability, loss, and trauma, yet continue to push forward with strength and resilience.

Too often, their stories are overlooked. Their needs unmet. Their brilliance unseen.

This month is about more than just raising awareness. It’s about truth-telling. It’s about honoring the resilience of foster youth and calling attention to the systemic barriers that stand in their way. It’s about moving from awareness to action.

Here’s what you can do this month:
•Listen. Take time to hear directly from foster youth and alumni. Their voices are powerful.
•Learn. Read up on how the foster care system works—and where it falls short.
•Amplify. Share stories, resources, and calls to action on your platform.
•Advocate. Support policies and programs that provide stability, opportunity, and healing for foster youth.
•Donate or volunteer. Partner with organizations doing the work year-round to support youth in and from care.

Foster youth deserve more than awareness. They deserve commitment, investment, and justice.

Let’s get to work.

#NationalFosterCareMonth #FosterCareAwareness #SupportFosterYouth #EveryChildDeserves #FromAwarenessToAction #FosterYouthVoices

[Matthew West, Ed.D. @MatthewErnest91]

Happy Monday All!

Please keep sharing my post!

I’ll be hosting my final info session this week!

🎓 Were you in foster care and earned your college degree?
Your story deserves to be heard. 🖤

My name is Matthew West, and I’m a doctoral candidate at Drexel University. I’m conducting an IRB-approved study focused on the educational success of Black men who aged out of foster care and went on to earn their bachelor’s college degrees.

I’m looking for folks who meet all of the following:

✅ Identify as African American or Black
✅ Identify as male
✅ Are 22 years or older
✅ Aged out of foster care (not adopted, reunified, or placed under guardianship)
✅ Earned a Bachelor’s degree between 2015–2025

⸻

🖥️ I’m hosting two short & confidential info webinars to explain the study.
Attendance is private and non-committal.

📅 May 1 | 3 PM ET / 12 PM PT

📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer or click the link in my bio to register.
🔗 [Link in Bio]

⸻

Know someone who fits this? Share this post with them

#FosterCareAlumni #BlackMaleSuccess
#fostercare #fostercareresearch #emancipatedfosteryouth #YourStoryMatters #HigherEdResearch #CounterNarratives #DoctoralStudy #FosterYouthToCollege #IRBApproved #Like #share #repost #emancipatedfosteryouth #BlackInFosterCare

[Matthew West, Ed.D. @MatthewErnest91]

Hello folks! Continue to keep pushing!

I thank everyone who has been sharing my posts all over their platforms, this means so much!

[Matthew West, Ed.D. @MatthewErnest91]

📣 IRB-approved & actively recruiting!

Are you—or do you know—a Black man (22+) who aged out of foster care & earned a bachelor’s (2015–2025)?

I want to hear your story.

Join a confidential info session:
🗓️ 4/23 or 5/1
🔗 https://t.co/K7qqlShBSO

Please share! 🖤

[Matthew West, Ed.D. @MatthewErnest91]

📣 IRB-approved & actively recruiting!

Are you—or do you know—a Black man (22+) who aged out of foster care & earned a bachelor’s (2015–2025)?

I want to hear your story.

Join a confidential info session:
🗓️ 4/23 or 5/1
🔗 https://t.co/K7qqlShBSO

Please share! 🖤

[Matthew West, Ed.D. @MatthewErnest91]

Last week I successfully passed my proposal hearing and officially became a doctoral candidate!

I’M ABD (all but dissertation), but not for long!

Next up: IRB!

#doctoralcandidate #ABD #Allbutdissertation #Drexel

[Matthew West, Ed.D. @MatthewErnest91]

Shang-chi! Love that movie

[non aesthetic things @PicturesFoIder]

Dude witnesses an action movie being filmed in front of his apartment building

[Matthew West, Ed.D. @MatthewErnest91]

Them helicopters already up in the air…

Eagles fans bout to go crazy lmao

[Matthew West, Ed.D. @MatthewErnest91]

It’s about to be a mess in these Philly Skreets.. lord have mercy on my valuables lol

[Matthew West, Ed.D. @MatthewErnest91]

Honestly I wanna see the Eagles vs the Bills.

This will be craziest fanbase Super Bowl to date lol.

Idc about nothing else lol

[Matthew West, Ed.D. @MatthewErnest91]

@FedExHelp I would like pick up my package today that was “attempted” to be delivered

[Matthew West, Ed.D. @MatthewErnest91]

All I ask is if possible @Walmart @amazon @Target, please don’t send my packages via FedEx anymore.

I’ve had two packages stolen because of their lack of care. I know sometimes we purchase products through Walmart from other companies. So you cannot control it

[Matthew West, Ed.D. @MatthewErnest91]

@FedEx Why did your driver state they attempted to deliver my package today at 2:34 PM EST, but my two front door cameras have no record of your team even attempting to show up.

Mind you, I’ve been home all day. Amazon and UPS delivered to me today with no issue.

[Matthew West, Ed.D. @MatthewErnest91]

This getting ridiculous now @FedEx. First my package gets stolen. Then Im doing the extra work to try to get a new one. What’s the point of having delivery preferences if you’re not gonna follow them.

[Matthew West, Ed.D. @MatthewErnest91]

Also @AMCTheatres just in case.

[Matthew West, Ed.D. @MatthewErnest91]

@AMCHelps please respond to me direct message as soon as you possibly can. I would greatly appreciate it.