The Guardian Scholars Program provides support services to current and former foster youth to help them obtain a university, community college, or trade school education. Continue Reading →
Archive | My Education
Questions and answers for foster youth about how to graduate from high school, go to college, get financial aid, and much more.
What is the Burton Scholars Backpack to Success Program?
The Burton Scholars Backpack to Success Program was established in 2007 and encourages former foster youth to pursue their educational goals. Continue Reading →
How can I get priority enrollment for college classes?
A law, called AB 194, gives foster youth and former foster youth priority registration for classes at community colleges, CSUs, and some UCs. Continue Reading →
How do I attend community college?
For admission to community college you must meet one of the following criteria: Continue Reading →
Will I need my parents’ or foster parents’ information to apply for financial aid?
No. As long as you have or had an open case in the juvenile court (i.e. you are a foster youth) on your 13th birthday—even if you were adopted—you are considered a “ward of the court” and are deemed an “Independent Student.” Continue Reading →
What if I want to go to the school near my new home, but they won’t let me enroll without my records?
Under AB 490 and the Fostering Connections Act for foster youth, and AB 2276 for probation youth, you have the right to be immediately enrolled in school even if you don’t have the necessary paperwork (like a birth certificate, immunization records, or school records).
Do I qualify for special education?
What to do if you believe that you may have a learning disability or other disability that affects your learning or ability to do well in school.
What services can I get if I need special help with my learning?
If you attend school on a regular basis, try your best, and ask for help but you are still struggling to understand or do well in some or all of your classes, you may need special help. Continue Reading →
What are some of the education rights I have as a foster youth?
Find information about partial credits, court absences, extracurricular activities, education attorneys, and more.
Who pays for travel costs to my school of origin?
DCFS (or the child welfare agency in your county) must give you bus passes or pay your caregiver for the cost of driving you to your school of origin. Continue Reading →