Roadmap to Independence (9-12)
The Situation
Nationally and locally, educational outcomes for foster youth are poor.
- 83% of foster children in California are held back by the third grade
- 75% of foster children in California in grades K-12 are performing below grade level
- 54% of foster youth complete high school compared to 84% of the general population
Goal
Increase High School graduation rates for foster youth in Silicon Valley.
Results
- 100 high school students enrolled in college readiness workshops, up 25%
- 90% of our emerging scholars graduated from high school
- 67% of summer bridge participants received YES Scholarships
Targets
Target 1 - Develop and support pathway to college programs that help foster youth acquire college-ready skills.
Target 2 – Coordinate with the child welfare system and education community to engage students entering high school and to develop four year academic plans based on a curriculum ladder that forms the foundation for college and vocational readiness
Target 3 - Provide one on one intern/mentor support to foster youth to ensure they are on pace to complete high school, prepared for emancipation, and connected to higher education opportunities
Key Components
9th Grade Orientation and four-year track plan: The orientation will introduce foster youth to the importance of developing their own individual high school plan in a manner which encourages meaningful career exploration, helps the student identify and develop his or her own interests and strengths, and prepares them for multiple pathways upon high school graduation, including immediate employment, specialized training in a vocation or trade, or enrollment in a community college or a four year university.
Individual Intern Mentors to provide guidance and support: Students are mentored by interns from local college and graduate level programs under professional supervision, as part of their involvement in the high school roadmap to independence program.
Summerbridge Workshops with college credits: The Summer Bridge Program provides more intensive support for 11th and 12th grade foster youth for six weeks each summer. Students earn up to 16 high school credits and 8 college credits and learn: (1) study skill techniques; (2) SAT preparation; (3) how to identify and apply for scholarships; (4) how to write an effective personal essay; (5) how to finance a college education; (6) about local colleges such as SJSU, UCB, UCSC, SF State, Stanford, and National Hispanic University through site visits and in class presentations
Emerging Scholars Program for Seniors: The YES Emerging Scholars, our most intense program, now in its second year, provides one-on-one mentorship support for high school seniors who have completed the Summer Bridge program and who are committed to pursuing a college degree.
Partners
- Department of Family and Child Services, Santa Clara County
- County Office of Education - Foster Youth Services
For the most current information on Roadmap to Independence progress or if you wish to contribute, please contact: Lany Or, Program Manager (9-12)
(408) 558-5439