College Readiness

We believe that consistent relationships with adults who care about their education will help foster kids in grades 7-12 be successful academically.

You can move homes many times, but no one can take your education away. College Readiness follows students through home and school placement changes over a six year period. As the average California foster youth experiences at least three placement changes during their time in foster care, this component is key to their success.

One-on-one Relationship

Relationships with UFC staff members serve as the source of consistent support which many foster youth lack in their lives. The college counselors not only act as mentors and advisors to each student, but empower the youth to advocate for themselves. This support extends to caregivers as well who can benefit from workshops and activities focused on creating a college-bound atmosphere in their home.

Academic Preparation

Students receive College in a Binder kits that serve as academic resources during their six years in the program. College counselors work with students to help them set academic and personal goals and create an academic plan to meet those goals. Students are provided with supplemental academic work that may include educational exercises, tutoring and other services.

Workshops & College Tours

Through workshops and tours of local college campuses, students are exposed to college and career options, cultural awareness and academic skill building. These bi-monthly activities and events help keep students engaged and excited about the college-going process.

Enrichment Activities

A host of summer programs and unique activities are offered to the youth to encourage their personal development. UFC’s Career Department helps students secure internships, employment and leadership/community service opportunities as they progress through high school. Engaging volunteers from the corporate and professional communities is also critical to helping to increase the exposure of career opportunities to our students.

College Within Reach

UFC’s annual college preparatory event provides students with a variety of workshops tailored to specific grade levels and a college resource fair which allows students to meet college representatives from across the country and learn about specific available resources.

Foster youth - sign up to attend this event >

Long-Term Consistent Support

College Readiness follows students through home and school placement changes over a six-year period. As most foster youth change placements an average of three times per year, this component is key to their success.

Are you helping a foster teen get to college? Find resources to help you >

community hub sites

With the introduction of College Readiness Community HUB sites, strategically located on school campuses or at community centers in areas with high concentrations of youth in foster care, many more youth will have access to this vital program and in turn, access to college. Through this wider and more physical presence, UFC hopes to reach its long term goal of serving 15% of all foster youth in Los Angeles County. Additionally, over the next 2-3 years, we expect our College Sponsorship Program to grow significantly fueled by the growth of College Readiness.