Program Events

Throughout the year, UFC’s College Readiness and College Sponsorship Programs host a variety of events and activities including workshops, cultural events, holiday celebrations, campus dinners and college tours. Annual events include:

CELEBRATION graduation

Since 1990, UFC has been partnering with the Los Angeles County Departments of Children and Family Services and Probation to honor the academic achievements of foster youth. The annual graduation event recognizes foster youth who graduate from high school with a 2.8 grade point average or higher and plan to attend a college, university, trade or vocational school.

Each year at Celebration, UFC awards 30-40 college sponsorships with a combined value of over $450,000 per year for up to five years, to help offset the financial burden of college.

Referrals are accepted July - January each year.

For more information, please contact Linda Ramos.

Download Celebration Application >

COLLEGE WITHIN REACH

UFC’s annual college preparatory event is especially designed for foster and probation youth to learn what it takes to become college ready. College Within Reach offers interactive workshops about the college admissions and financial aid process and provides a forum for participants to interact with current college students and alumni. A lunchtime college and resource fair gives students the opportunity to gather information from schools and organizations that serve the unique needs of foster youth.

This fall event is open to students in grades 9-12 and community college students, as well as caregivers, social workers, lawyers and other service providers. The entire day is tailored to youth in care with the goal of giving students the necessary tools and information to begin college planning with every chance for success.

For more information, please contact Lizeth Hernandez.

Download College Within Reach registration form >

READINESS OVERNIGHT

Over a 3-day period, College Readiness students participate in academic preparation workshops, group problem solving activities, a scavenger hunt, a talent show, and other team building events. This summer highlight event also creates opportunities for UFC College Readiness and College Sponsorship students to interact.  Younger students receive the mentoring of UFC college student volunteers and alumni who share valuable tips and information on surviving through middle and high school.

SPONSORSHIP OVERNIGHT

The overnight provides recently admitted sponsorship students with the unique opportunity to begin building valuable relationships with UFC sponsorship staff and learn about the program offerings.  The retreat also gives them the chance to form connections with each other and meet other students going off to college. Students comment that this is often the first time they have felt part of a positive experience with a group of foster kids.

A range of topics are covered over a two-day period including: tips for academic success in college, resources and support services on campus, financial success through budgeting, student life panel and discussion with current sponsorship students and community building with fellow program participants.