UFC Education Programs
We believe that current dismal outcomes for foster kids relative to education can be changed.
Poor educational outcomes are a major factor in the lack of success foster youth experience in their transition out of care. By preparing more foster youth to graduate from high school (College Readiness) and attend and graduate from four-year colleges (College Sponsorship), UFC is dramatically increasing their chances for success.
College Sponsorship
We believe that four-year colleges provide the best opportunity for foster youth to achieve a higher education.
Experience and research proves that attending four-year schools increases both the rate of retention and graduation among students by offering permanent housing options, and more supportive services than community colleges. By keeping youth involved, engaged, and interested in their education through close, mentoring relationships, UFC’s College Sponsorship Program is increasing college graduation rates for foster youth.
Financial Support
UFC makes a $15,000 five-year financial commitment to between 30 and 40 Los Angeles County graduating seniors and up to five transfer students each year. Students can access $3,000 per year for up to five years and are able to use financial support to fund their greatest needs which include: rent, books, tuition, supplies, food, transportation, and travel to and from school or other personal needs. Sponsorships are awarded to students at the annual Celebration Graduation each spring (link to Celebration).
One-on-One Relationship
UFC serves as a source of support, guidance and a resource throughout sponsorship students' college experience. Staff members respond to their phone calls and emails, send them gifts on birthdays and holidays when no one else does, encourage them when they are feeling low, guide them to register for the right classes and help empower youth to advocate on their own behalf.
Internships
UFC helps students secure summer internships and provides a stipend for typically unpaid internships. This allows youth to gain employment experience within their field of study, which often times will lead to full-time employment.
Enrichment Activities
UFC provides financial support so that youth are able to gain enriching life experiences through travel abroad. Throughout the year UFC hosts a variety of gatherings for Sponsorship students to come together including outings to sporting and cultural events and Sponsorship family dinners on local campuses.
Post-Graduate Planning
Staff members begin working with students in their junior and senior years on post-graduation plans. They discuss job search techniques, help create resumes and strategize about long term career goals. Staff also help with the graduate school application process and assist in determining the best options for students.
OUR STUDENTS ATTEND
More than 50 schools nationwide including:
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Education
UFC Outcomes
74% of UFC College Sponsorship
students graduate from college
13% of foster youth
attend college and 2-4% graduate
Giving Back
- Students participate in workshops at College Within Reach to provide middle and high school students with valuable information on getting to and through college.
- At the Readiness Overnight sponsorship students mentor younger readiness students, providing them with guidance and resources.
- New sponsorship students also receive valuable information and support from current students at the sponsorship orientation.
I’ve attached my first semester grades and my new list of classes. Did I mention that I got a 3.86 GPA? I am doing well at Hampton University in Virginia and appreciate all that you have done for me in the past months. Even the little things, like the gift cards, help to give me motivation. Thank you again.”
Mannee, College Sponsorship Recipient